Cassadaga Mayor Rudy Abersold has recently begun discussions regarding consolidation of the village’s Department of Public Works. P-J photo by Braden Carmen

CASSADAGA — Following the abrupt resignation of former Department of Public Works Supervisor Sam Alaimo, the village had to work quickly to come up with a plan for what to do next.

The short-term fix was to rely on assistance from neighboring municipalities, especially the town of Stockton, as well as Charlotte and Gerry. Moving forward, the Village is considering making that arrangement more of a permanent fix.

Mayor Rudy Abersold said at a recent Village Board meeting that the village is considering consolidation of its Department of Public Works (DPW) under the umbrella of the Town of Stockton Highway Department. Abersold has discussed the potential of consolidating the department with County Legislator John Penhollow and Town of Stockton Supervisor Dave Wilson. Another meeting is scheduled in the coming weeks for further discussion.

While no decision has been made yet, the Village is still accepting applications for a replacement to Alaimo as DPW Supervisor. Abersold said, “It is important to clarify the Village’s plan regarding consolidation or continuation of the department out of respect for future employees.”

The Village Board commended Biancca Riggle for stepping up after Alaimo’s resignation to keep the department afloat. The Village has worked with neighboring municipalities for the plowing of roads and other duties of the department. Abersold said the Village is committed to improving the condition of its facilities prior to hiring any new employees.

Riggle presented the Village Board with a list of DPW equipment, including the current condition and replacement cost estimates of the Village’s equipment. With many of the items carrying substantial replacement costs, the Village is strongly considering consolidation to save taxpayers from the cost of replacing a substantial amount of equipment in the coming years.

“It’s something that we should look into. We’re already doing it,” Trustee Jeff Frick said. “If you just look at the price of equipment … a lot of communities are going to have to do this.”

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel has launched a countywide initiative to encourage consolidation, with grant funding available to municipalities pursuing consolidation of departments and services. Abersold said the Village is “actively exploring” grant opportunities through Chautauqua County.

Following the resignation of another critical Village position, Clerk Annette McChesney, the Village has called upon Sue Peacock, President of the Chautauqua County Municipal Clerks Association, to provide support as the Village searches for a new Village Clerk. The Village is also receiving support from Mary Kwandrans of KVS/Springbrook Software to assist with payroll and accounts payable during the transition.

“After consulting with several advisors, confidence remains high that the village office will manage the transition effectively as Annette steps down as Village Clerk. The office is dedicated to maintaining stability and effectiveness during this period of change,” Abersold said.

Matt Zarbo of Square Engineering also informed the Village that his firm is willing to delay receipt of payment for its services during the transition regarding the ongoing capital improvement waterline project.

The Village Board also recently reappointed Joe Calimeri as village attorney, at a retainer of $13,000, which is within the Village’s budgeted amount.

Also of note, in the month of December, the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department responded to 21 calls, including 17 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls, one fire, and two motor vehicle accidents. In 2025, the Department responded to 264 calls, including 183 EMS calls, 22 fire calls, and 23 motor vehicle accidents. The Department provided mutual aid 112 times, while receiving mutual aid 81 times.

“We can’t thank those men and women enough,” Abersold said.

The next Village Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.