HERMON -- Grants totaling $100,000 have been awarded to the Town and Village of Hermon in St. Lawrence County to implement dissolution of the Village of Hermon.

The town and the village will each receive $50,000 from a Local Government Citizens Reorganization Empowerment Grant (CREG) for implementation of the dissolution, approved by the voters last Oct. 27.

Actions supported by these grants, coming from the state Department of State, include the integration of the village and town information technology systems, digitization of records and records management improvements, disposition of village-owned real property, consolidation of town and village laws, and the development of a comprehensive asset management plan.

“This is exciting news and an exciting time for our community,” said Town of Hermon Supervisor Nicole Bacon Ward.

“Many people worked hard on the Dissolution Study and made sure our community was well informed. Their hard work is part of the reason the dissolution vote overwhelmingly passed. Being awarded the Citizens Reorganization Empowerment Grant allows us to move forward on our Comprehensive Plan. We are embracing change and looking forward to great things while working together,” the supervisor said.

“The grant award of $50,000 is very much appreciated,” said Village of Hermon Mayor Cathy Race.

“It makes the dissolution study even more rewarding and cost-effective for our taxpayers here in Hermon. This money will help pay for the unseen costs involved in transitioning, including local law review, real property disposition, and legal fees. It will also enable us to prepare an Asset Management and Comprehensive Plan -- both very valuable tools in planning for Hermon’s future as two communities become one. As we proceed with this daunting task, the Development Authority of the North Country will continue to assist us and provide resources we otherwise would not have, helping to make this a success,” the mayor said.

Acting New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado said Hermon’s actions are “a sign that residents are seeking to change the status quo and re-imagine the structure of their local governing bodies.”

Richville is considering dissolving its village government, and the towns of Clifton and Fine are considering merging.

CREG is a component of the Local Government Efficiency Program managed by the New York Department of State’s Division of Local Government Services. The program provides local governments with funding and technical support for the study, planning and implementation of municipal reorganizations.