Malone, NY, Jul 04, 2012 — The village of Malone and the village of Norwood are each considering dissolving layers of government in an effort to streamline services and save money. Voters in Potsdam decided against dissolving their village last year. The Cuomo administration has been pushing for smaller governments in New York to merge, or dissolve. The state offers tax breaks as an incentive.

The idea isn't new. Vicki Brown and Jaimie Saunders are researchers with the Center for Government Research, a non-profit based in Rochester. Their organization has been helping communities consider the pros and cons of merging for the past 75 years. Brown says since the 1920s, 45 towns and villages in New York have merged or dissolved. Julie Grant recently spoke with Saunders and Brown.  Go to full article