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Administrative History

Legislation of 1849 (Chapter 194) and 1892 (Chapter 686, Art. II, Sect. 34) authorized county boards of supervisors (except for New York County) to divide or alter boundaries of towns within their counties.

The board was to consider the alteration upon application of at least 12 freeholders and upon being furnished with a map and survey showing proposed alterations for all towns involved. If the board granted the application, the map and survey and a certified statement of the board's actions regarding the alterations were to be filed with the Secretary of State, who was to print them with the next printing of the laws.

Legislation of 1892 (Chapter 686, Art. II, Sect. 36) further authorized county boards of supervisors to establish and define boundary lines between towns. The board was to file a resolution containing a description of the boundaries, along with a map and survey, with the Secretary of State, who was to print them with the next printing of the laws.

The Revised Statutes of 1889 (Part I, Ch. VIII, Title VI, Sect. 5-6) authorized the State Engineer and Surveyor to hear arguments of town officers disputing town boundaries and to direct a survey if necessary to determine the true boundaries. The State Engineer and Surveyor was to file the determination with the Secretary of State. This determination was to be final unless changed by an act of the legislature.