We exist in the same space with and for each other. The Municipal Agreement cements that accord.
Town Supervisor Bob Meelan
Mutual cooperation between Hamilton College and
The payments are something the College volunteers
the Town makes for a long-term positive relationship,
to do, Meelan noted. “It doesn’t legally have to do it.
Kirkland Town Supervisor Bob Meelan believes.
But it’s a question of having each other’s back,” he
With the signing of the third Municipal Contributions Agreement between the Town, Village, Oneida County, Clinton Central School District, and Hamilton College, the College provides budget stability for the local parties. Meelan said Town agencies — the fire and highway departments among them — and other agreement participants share in the yearly distribution that currently totals nearly $600,000.
said. “Hamilton needs the Town; the Town needs the College. I love having Hamilton here. I love having the kids in town. There’s nothing to be gained from being like the Hatfields and McCoys.” The supervisor said the College will continue to support the Town even beyond the agreement. “I firmly believe if I was in a pinch and went to President Wippman, he would find a way to help,” Meelan said. “He knows we respond immediately to anything on the
The first agreement was drafted in 2006 for 10 years; the
Hill that needs the attention of one of our departments.”
second was renewed in 2016 for another five; and the
That relationship bears fruit for all: “We have a
current agreement runs for another five years. The school district receives about 60 percent of the money and understandably so, Meelan said. “The agreement helps us to stabilize or minimize any tax hike
partnership. Hamilton College is in the Town of Kirkland. We exist in the same space with and for each other. The Municipal Agreement cements that accord,” Meelan concluded.
to the local residents in operating the schools,” he said.
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