STAR LAKE – The towns of Clifton and Fine will hold a joint meeting Jan. 6 to gather input on the ongoing consolidation study.

The Development Authority of the North Country is leading the study that examines the benefits and negatives associated with merging the townships into one entity.

The study began in February after the town boards decided to review operations to improve efficiencies.

“Town populations have been declining, businesses have closed, and there is a loss of financial resources making it increasingly difficult for the towns to provide municipal services at a reasonable costs,” a release regarding the study says.

“In an effort to reduce taxpayer burdens, the town boards decided to review current operations to improve efficiencies and investigate consolidation.”

The towns were awarded a $25,000 grant for the $50,000 study. The remaining costs were split. DANC was hired to complete the work.

If the consolidation study determines the merger would be beneficial, both towns would need to hold referendums in order to move the process forward.

The Jan. 6 meeting is a chance for the public to learn findings of the study and provide input.

For information on the study so far visit http://www.danc.org/operations/engineering/clifton-fine-efficiencyconsolidation-study