Author: VillageFreeville
Get Involved in Your Village Government
Our Village thrives when neighbors step up to get involved! Local government should never feel distant and I can assure you that the processes for getting involved is far from complicated! Right now, there are several ways you can take part, whether you’re looking for a larger commitment to the Village or a monthly volunteering opportunity.
Serving as Mayor or on the Board of Trustees is a meaningful way to help guide our community. You’d have direct say in the passage of Village laws, how we budget, and what projects are approved. The process for running is simple: just stop by the Village Hall to pick up and independent nomination petition and the brief guide that contains deadlines, how to’s, and other useful information for completing the document. You’ll need signatures from 5% of the Village population– that’s only 17 signatures! Once you collect them and submit the petition ahead of the deadline, your name will be on the ballot.
If you don’t want to run for a position, prefer a smaller commitment, but still want to get involved, consider serving on the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). These boards play an important role in shaping how our Village grows residentially and commercially. No petition is required–just an interest in serving and learning!
Getting involved does make a difference! Your input helps shape projects and decisions that affect daily life in Freeville. You can build connections by working alongside neighbors who share your level of care and commitment to our community. You may also find a sense of personal growth as you will gain valuable experience in leadership and civic engagement.
If you’re interested, please feel free to reach out to me via email or phone or stop down at the Village Hall during our open hours. Whether you run for office or join a board, your involvement will help keep our Village strong, welcoming, and moving forward.
Freeville Firehouse Pancake Breakfasts are Back!
The Freeville Fire Department is excited to welcome the community back for their beloved Sunday Pancake Breakfasts. These monthly breakfasts have long been a favorite tradition in the village, offering a hearty meal and a chance to connect with neighbors all while supporting one of the busiest firehouses in Tompkins County!
The menu consists of much more than just pancakes! Alongside the golden stacks of pancakes, the firehouse is offering eggs, hot chocolate, ham, and other sweet and savory meals and refreshments. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the firehouse or a first-time visitor, we welcome you to join us for food, fellowship, and fun.
Please join us from 7:30-11:30AM on the following dates at 21 Union Street to enjoy a breakfast with the community! You can also refer to the poster below for more information.
Upcoming Dates:
- January 11, 2026
- February 22, 2026
- March 15, 2026
- April 12, 2026
Help Us Update the Comprehensive Plan!
The Planning Board of the Village of Freeville have been working each month to bring updates and revisions to our Land Use and Development Code and Village Comprehensive Plan. As their work continues, we want to include the most up-to-date statistics gathered directly from our residents.
Yosef Al Shoffe, one of the board’s hardworking members, is conducting his own research regarding housing in Freeville. He is looking for Freeville residents to participate in a survey to help the planning board accurately update the housing section of the comprehensive plan and to determine if there are any suggestions for improving village housing.
Feel free to help us gather information by using the link below to be taken directly to the survey.
In the meantime, stay warm and enjoy this wintery weekend!
Wintertime House Calls
As the winter months settle in, we know that getting out of the house isn’t always easy. Snow, ice, and cold weather can make even simple errands a challenge. That’s why I am beginning to offer wintertime house calls– a service designed to make getting through the winter season a little easier on our residents.
This service only applies to residents living within the Village. Whether a snowstorm is keeping you stuck indoors or holiday shopping has got your schedule overbooked, feel free to let our office deliver what you need to your doorstep! To coordinate a house call, either call the office phone during business hours or send me an email at clerk@freevilleny.org. House calls will be completed in a timely manner during weekdays. House calls will not be available on weekends or holidays.
Please remember: house calls do not apply to tax payments. It is the responsibility of residents to drop off or mail in their tax payments and/or late fees. We cannot pick up tax payments as a part of this service. Additionally, the clerk is happy to come to you, but is not obligated to enter any residence.
For more details regarding the kinds of visits I am able to make, please refer to the poster below. It outlines the specific services available through wintertime house calls.
