Disclaimer: I write this in my individual capacity as Trustee, and what follows are my personal views and opinions, and do not represent the views of the Board. I have made every effort to write the following based on verifiable information.
- What’s the hurry?
Under NYS law, a village may abolish its court only at the end of the term of its justices. For Brockport, it is four years, ending June 30, 2026. The decision to abolish the court is always subject to a permissive referendum. One has to allow time for that. You also need time to allow for a smooth transition from the village to a town court. If the decision to abolish fails, one must provide potential justices time to decide to run for elections.
- Then why not wait another four years?
Why? What is likely to change? Based on what we know currently and without a crystal ball, the village taxpayer support for wages and benefits becomes larger over the coming years, given healthcare and pension benefit trends. The revenues are outside the control of the court. So, in conclusion, the taxpayer support for the service will continue to grow. Like the quote often attributed to Einstein says, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”
- So how do the court numbers look?
According to the village treasurer/accountant, the deficit this year for the court is likely to be $30,000 (conservatively) and possibly increase to $40,000 next year and so on. Additionally, one of our court employees is taking a healthcare buyout in lieu of healthcare benefits. To that extent, the deficit is understated by another $15,000 or so. In 2012, the village’s share of fines and parking tickets, without the village court, was $53,000. Adding these numbers, it is a $98,000 a year decision for the village currently, and likely to grow annually. If one goes by Dr. Blackman’s (Westside News, 12/26/25) $90,000 quoted number, then the number becomes $135,000 each year.
- Who pays for the Sweden Town Court?
A Village of Brockport resident currently pays for the Brockport village court and the Sweden town court. Town courts are mandated by law, and village courts are optional. To quote the 2012 report that was the basis for the establishment of the Brockport village court, “Additionally, Village courts have a flexibility that all other courts in the state do not. They can be created and abolished in response to local demand and circumstances.” (p.30 of Ad Hoc Committee Report)
- But it costs a village taxpayer only $28 per year
I strongly reject the notion that some expenses are too small to be reviewed and eliminated if not necessary. What should the threshold then be? For me, it is a nickel (since we don’t have pennies anymore). As stewards of taxpayers’ money, every nickel is valuable. By the same logic, a village can raise taxes by $1,000 per household per year and argue that it is only $2.75 per day. And to add insult to injury, ask its citizens to forgo a cup of coffee a day. This is the flawed logic of financial irresponsibility, and financial death by a thousand seemingly small expenses.
- The Town of Sweden did not receive sufficient notice
I sent four emails to the Town of Sweden Supervisor on December 4, 14, 17, and 21. Only the one from December 4 was received. I continue to investigate. The abolishment will not happen overnight. It is a long step-wise process, and quite likely, we have until June 30, 2026, to iron things out.
- How will our lives change if the village court is abolished?
Instead of going to the village court to pay our fines, etc., we must now go to the town court across the street to pay for tickets, etc. Our walk from the parking lot will now be much shorter. If one aspires to be a court judge, as a Brockport resident, one can still run for a Town of Sweden judgeship. I ask you, fellow citizens, how often do you use village court services? Hopefully, the answer is not too often.
- Is Brockport Village Court unique?
Yes. It is the only village court remaining in Monroe County. The other remaining court, Honeoye Falls, was abolished last year. In 2010, across the state, there were 324 village courts. In 2024, 260 remained. The trend is certainly towards fewer village courts, as they become unsustainable for communities. The costs far exceed the benefits to the taxpayers.
Sandeep Singh, Brockport
Note: The Village of Brockport rescheduled its public hearing on this topic for Friday, January 16, at 6 p.m. in the Oliver Middle School Auditorium. Notice of the rescheduled hearing wasn’t received in time for inclusion in last week’s paper.
