Wolcott village dissolution rejected overwhelmingly: Villagers react

Wolcott, N.Y. (WHAM) — The dust has settled at the Wolcott Village Offices. On Tuesday, voters in Wolcott voted overwhelmingly not to dissolve the village, following a December petition that garnered 86 signatures, roughly 10% of Wolcott's registered voters.

BACKGROUND: Village of Wolcott will remain intact: Residents overwhelmingly vote against dissolution | Wolcott citizens confront potential village dissolution: Jobs and heritage at stake | Wolcott community members voice concerns over proposal to dissolve village

"You know it’s a small community and when you see this happening it’s an everyday thing for residents," said Mayor Chris Henner. "We are in the clear for four years. Resoundingly, as I said before I was not supportive of this dissolution, when you have 300+ residents come and vote "no," it was a resounding result they stated, and they proved it right at that point that they want the village to remain a village."

Tommy Mettler, the Butler Town Supervisor, whose town borders the Village of Wolcott, is grateful the vote is over with.

"Hopefully we can all put this behind us and come together," said Supervisor Mettler. "It doesn’t matter who voted no or yes. We’re all friends and family. It’s a small community. The people in the village of Wolcott are great. I like to think we all have a different thought process but we’re all good people when we want what’s best, so we need to come together, put this behind us, move forward, and make the Village Of Wolcott thrive."

A spokesperson for The Committee to Dissolve the Village of Wolcott said: "This was not about winning or losing, this was about listening to the community. The community spoke and they wanted to keep the village. During this process, the community also spoke about coming together and bringing more into the village. We can only hope that the village board has listened to the changes we want and not to go backward but to move forward."

Of the 384 voters, not all voted against dissolution.

"We're looking for kind of a change," said Gary Grambo. "We think our community will be fine," said Joan Grambo. "We think it will save the community without that level of government."

Wolcott neighbor Jenny Banas voted against the dissolution proposal.

"We’ve been around since 1852," said Banas. "Why would you dissolve something that works? It’s the history, it’s the heritage, it’s everything, the people mostly, and the services, you know, we get brush pick up, they clean our streets, they plow sidewalks."

Rose Lewis also voted against dissolution, saying: "I've lived in the Village of Wolcott for nearly 50 years. I have enjoyed and, yes, taken for granted the services that the Village has provided. I knew from the beginning I was voting no to dissolution, and I was vocal in that regard. I enjoy living here and my life is made easier because of our Highway Department, Water/Sewer Department, Police Department, Zoning/Codes, Animal Control, Village Clerks and our Village Board. Whenever, I have had an issue they were there. I feel safe and part of a cohesive community and I'm proud that many others felt the same."

Mayor Henner said he is grateful his staff stood by the village throughout the process; months of uncertainty, questions, and debate.

"They did the job that was asked of them above and beyond considering not knowing if you were going to have one," said Henner. "I applaud every one of them, we appreciate it 100%."

The results of Tuesday's referendum vote will remain in effect for four years.