File photo The Sherman Village Board, with Mayor Colleen Meeder at left, barely survived a dissolution challenge six years ago.

Two votes six years ago turned out to be a lifeline for the village of Sherman. In 2016, residents voted on Dec. 20 by the slimmest of margins — 117 to 115 — to maintain the municipality.

As expected, the result was met with mixed emotion. Some were jubilant, others disappointed.

If three who went to the polls had changed their mind on opposing dissolution, it is possible there would no longer be a town and village. It would just be Sherman.

That result would be a lot simpler than the situation that is currently playing out. On Monday, a public hearing between the two entities will take place to review the proposed annexation of 62 acres of land from the town to the village.

To say that it is a testy issue would be an understatement. The first meeting, which was scheduled on Feb. 2, was shut down before it even started. Since then, both town Supervisor Mark Persons and village Mayor Colleen Meeder seem to have gone quiet regarding the dispute.

Some officials are speaking up, particularly on the village side. Trustee Dennis Watson told Westfield Republican reporter David Prenatt the land being targeted is necessary for a solar array that will benefit both sides.

“Over 40% of the town residents reside in the village,” he said. “This is not an us versus them debate.

Village residents are town residents. The Town Board should be representing the best interests of all their constituents, not just the 50-plus percent outside of the village boundary.”

Watson is not totally incorrect. This project could benefit all 1,600 residents, including the 720 villagers, in the town. But to say this is not a border battle is downright delusional.

This region thrives on squabbles that take place between neighboring governments. Why? Because those we elected have to do something to justify why they hold office since accomplishments are far and few.

It is easy to blame Albany for the stagnant growth throughout New York state. But Chautauqua County is rock bottom compared to every other upstate county when it comes to wealth. Chalk that up to not-so-exemplary representation on a local level.

Besides, there’s a history of hostilities that remains alive and well for those sharing borders. Falconer and Jamestown still have not gotten over an annexation dispute from decades ago. Fredonia and Dunkirk rarely seek common ground and Cassadaga thinks it’s better than Stockton.

For a county that has a population of 127,000, it makes absolutely no sense that we have nearly 500 municipal elected officials — or one for every 254 individuals who live here. Fortunately, within the last decade, small changes have occurred — much of it due to voter involvement.

Forestville, once a village of 700 residents, dissolved after a pair of votes supported the decision after numerous troubles in the clerk’s office and a property tax increase that doubled a hardship on owners. Town of Hanover officials now oversee the current hamlet.

Cherry Creek, similarly to Sherman, was once a town and village. It decided in 2017 it did not need to be both.

Governments in the village of Brocton and town of Portland are becoming a shining example of working together. While both continue to exist, there is the sharing of a highway superintendent between the two entities and a new agreement has been hashed out regarding mowing. Brocton also assisted Mayville during a power outage that occurred during the high winds and Christmas Eve blizzard.

Brocton did one other thing to ease its burden. It closed its water treatment facility and chose to purchase water through the North County Water District and Dunkirk. Customers will say the relationship is far from perfect, but other water systems in the county — especially in the village of Fredonia — have proven to be less than reliable.

Silver Creek elminated its village court as all cases go through the town of Hanover. On a smaller scale, Dunkirk and Sheridan are sharing a tractor so only one needs to be purchased between the two municipalities that total around 3,500 residents.

There was a time recently in New York state where regionalism — and consolidations — were greatly advocated for and encouraged. Local officials — especially the leadership in Chautauqua County — have ignored this item.

In three days, the two Shermans square off over a potential annexation of 62 acres. It is a minor issue that has hundreds heated up.

If dissolution had succeeded, only one government would be calling the shots. That would be a lot more harmonious than what’s happening now.

John D’Agostino is the editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-366-3000, ext. 253.