To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

LYSANDER, N.Y. -- A proposal that has stirred up some controversy in the town of Lysander was presented to the public on Monday night. Board members are considering changing two long-standing positions from elective to appointive, meaning taxpayers would have no say over who is hired as their Town Clerk and Highway Superintendent.

Lysander officials said the idea was constructed as a way to reduce costs because it would allow them to share services with other municipalities. But, residents on Monday night were looking for a little more explanation.

"We wished the board would slow down a little bit, and take its time if they're considering consolidation or shared services, we'd like them to explain more about how they arrived at their decision and how it's going to directly affect us as residents," said Mike Bishoff, Lysander resident.

Taxpayers would have the chance to vote on any changes proposed by town board. The proposal has also been questioned because of possible violations to the Open Meetings Law. Board members came up with the plan behind closed doors, according to the Committee on Open Government, depending on the nature of the discussion, their actions could have been illegal.