VALATIE – The Village Board discussed abolishing the village court at Tuesday night’s regular meeting. Mayor Gary Strevell said of the courts, “It’s become much more complicated as well as expensive and, frankly, we just don’t have the facilities.”
Mayor Strevell said at the October 12 meeting that the board would have to vote on the new law abolishing the position of village judge and move all justice court matters to the town court. The board plans to hold a public hearing on the proposal at the next village meeting, Tuesday November 9 at 7 p.m.
The court currently costs the village $21,000 in salaries and expenses for the judge and his clerk. Mayor Strevell said that accounting for the revenues from the court from tickets and fines was made more difficult when the state changed the way the court handles the payments. He said that the state now sends the court a bill for its share of the fines, but it is difficult for local officials to understand where the state arrives at its figures. He said that looking at current revenues and expenses, cutting the court would save the village over $5,000 annually.
If the board adopts a law eliminating the court the measure would not take effect until after the term of the current judge, Edward Williams, ends in March 2011.
Village lawyer Robert Fitzsimmons said that village does not meet standards for court safety. The state Office of Court Administration asks for courthouses to have a separate, secure room for the judge. He said that other municipalities have had to change buildings to make room for these accommodations.
Mayor Strevell agreed. “We don’t have proper facilities,” he said.
Village court issues would be handled by the Kinderhook town court, which has two judges. Speeding ticket and fine revenues from the court would go to the town, but zoning code fines would still go directly to the village if the village no longer operates a court. Mayor Strevell said that the village would not incur any costs from town for use of the court. If this law passes, he said, “Our expense is done.”
“Consolidation of agencies is a good thing,” said board member Paul Raihofer. Villagers will have a chance to express their opinions at the public hearing November 9. The board plans to vote on the law at the regular meeting directly after the hearing.
This week the board also heard about plans for the Pizza King fundraiser for VERA, the village economic revitalization association. On Saturday the county will bring in the new electronic voting machines to the basement of the Legion Hall on Main Street so that residents can vote on the best pizza. Competitors for Pizza King are Le Bella’s, Chris’ Café, Mark and Zia’s Pizza places.
The mayor said the vote for favorite pizza place would give voters an opportunity to use the new voting machines before the November election. The old lever machines are no longer in use.
Trustee Jennifer Furey said there would different categories for best pizza toppings on the ballot as well. The funds from the event will go to support VERA as it gears up for the village’s Winter Walk celebration on December 11.
The next village meeting will be Tuesday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m.
To contact reporter Emilia Teasdale email eteasdale@columbiapaper.com.
Valatie moves to turn shut down village court
By EMILIA TEASDALE
VALATIE – The Village Board discussed abolishing the village court at Tuesday night’s regular meeting. Mayor Gary Strevell said of the courts, “It’s become much more complicated as well as expensive and, frankly, we just don’t have the facilities.”
Mayor Strevell said at the October 12 meeting that the board would have to vote on the new law abolishing the position of village judge and move all justice court matters to the town court. The board plans to hold a public hearing on the proposal at the next village meeting, Tuesday November 9 at 7p.m.
The court currently costs the village $21,000 in salaries and expenses for the judge and his clerk. Mayor Strevell said that accounting for the revenues from the court from tickets and fines was made more difficult when the state changed the way the court handles the payments. He said that the state now sends the court a bill for its share of the fines, but it is difficult for local officials to understand where the state arrives at its figures. He said that looking at current revenues and expenses, cutting the court would save the village over $5,000 annually.
If the board adopts a law eliminating the court the measure would not take effect until after the term of the current judge, Edward Williams, ends in March 2011.
Village lawyer Robert Fitzsimmons said that village does not meet standards for court safety. The state Office of Court Administration asks for courthouses to have a separate, secure room for the judge. He said that other municipalities have had to change buildings to make room for these accommodations.
Mayor Strevell agreed. “We don’t have proper facilities,” he said.
Village court issues would be handled by the Kinderhook town court, which has two judges. Speeding ticket and fine revenues from the court would go to the town, but zoning code fines would still go directly to the village if the village no longer operates a court. Mayor Strevell said that the village would not incur any costs from town for use of the court. If this law passes, he said, “Our expense is done.”
“Consolidation of agencies is a good thing,” said board member Paul Raihofer. Villagers will have a chance to express their opinions at the public hearing November 9. The board plans to vote on the law at the regular meeting directly after the hearing.
This week the board also heard about plans for the Pizza King fundraiser for VERA, the village economic revitalization association. On Saturday the county will bring in the new electronic voting machines to the basement of the Legion Hall on Main Street so that residents can vote on the best pizza. Competitors for Pizza King are Le Bella’s, Chris’ Café, Mark and Zia’s Pizza places.
The mayor said the vote for favorite pizza place would give voters an opportunity to use the new voting machines before the November election. The old lever machines are no longer in use.
Trustee Jennifer Furey said there would different categories for best pizza toppings on the ballot as well. The funds from the event will go to support VERA as it gears up for the village’s Winter Walk celebration on December 11.
The next village meeting will be Tuesday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m.
To contact reporter Emilia Teasdale email eteasdale@columbiapaper.com.
