NY A05669

Increases the minimum population requirement for village incorporation from 500 to 2,500 persons, based on the most recent decennial federal census.

Eliminates the alternative petition method allowing property owners with 50% assessed valuation to petition for incorporation; requires petitions to be signed by at least 20 percent of residents qualified to vote for town officers.

Requires petitions to include a financial impact statement containing a proposed operating budget, proposed capital budget, description of services to be provided, and estimated property tax impact for five years on both the incorporated territory and remaining town area.

Adds new state comptroller review process requiring submission of petitions within 10 days after legal sufficiency is confirmed, with the comptroller issuing a letter within 60 days reviewing the financial impact statement's reasonableness.

Schedules incorporation elections no later than 40 days after the state comptroller files their letter with the town clerk, and authorizes absentee ballots for qualified residents of the proposed village.