The Village of Odessa is at a critical juncture, with Mayor Gerry Messmer set to retire and multiple board positions remaining unfilled. Unless residents step up to fill these roles in the upcoming March election, Odessa could face dissolution, transferring its governance and services to the Town of Catharine.
Mayor Messmer, who has served the village following a 31-year career in the Army, is urging community members to declare their candidacy in January for the 2025 election. “Odessa needs you,” Messmer emphasized, outlining the importance of maintaining local governance and continuing key projects that would otherwise stall.
The village needs a mayor and at least three trustees to sustain its government. With one trustee planning to remain, three new board members are required, and a trustee looking to vacate their seat adds urgency to the call for volunteers. If the vacancies remain unfilled, New York State could step in, potentially leading to a forced dissolution of the village government.
Dissolution would mean Odessa ceases to exist as a village, with the Town of Catharine absorbing its responsibilities, including water, sewer, and street maintenance. Assets would be sold or transferred to the town, and certain services, such as leaf and branch collection, could be discontinued.
“Dissolution isn’t ideal,” Messmer noted, warning that such a move could diminish Odessa’s identity and hinder its ability to manage ongoing projects. Among these are Phase 2 of the water project, the Cotton Hanlon Bridge project, and operational adjustments for the Department of Public Works to address financial challenges.
The time commitment for serving on the village board is minimal, Messmer pointed out, with one 90-minute meeting per month and a budget workshop in February. Odessa also has a new clerk/treasurer to assist the incoming mayor.
The future of Odessa hinges on its residents. “Is it time for the former Catlin Mills, now Village of Odessa, to cease to exist after a 120-plus year existence, or do you want to see Odessa continue to thrive and grow?” Messmer asked.
As the election approaches, residents are encouraged to consider stepping up to preserve Odessa’s legacy and ensure its continued growth.
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