Does the Boonville Chamber have a legitimate set of bylaws? Latest development suggests yes

BOONVILLE- Does the Boonville Area Chamber of Commerce have a legitimate set of bylaws?

That was a question many were left with in the wake of their February public meeting and in the wake of the confusion, the answer seems to suggest: yes.

For the first public meeting this year in January, there were requests from attendees to view certain documentation, including the current bylaws, to which the chamber did not provide.

In response, the chamber suggested that they would provide any requested documentation, if available, during their next public meeting, which was February.

During last month’s gathering, no bylaws were produced. In fact, the chamber revealed, on record, that there were no legitimate bylaws for several decades because they had not been officially filed and registered with New York State.

The chamber iterated this in their latest letter to the editor in this week’s Boonville Herald. “Surprisingly, it was discovered at a Feb. 10 meeting with Village Attorney Jessica Young that none of the Chamber of Commerce bylaws have been registered with New York State since 1961,” the chamber wrote.

“The board of directors decided to wait for updated and legal bylaws to go to our members.”

Official chamber letter to Boonville Herald.

This revelation from the February meeting sparked a new bylaws committee and we do have confirmation that chamber officials are working on drafting a brand-new 2023 set.

However, a development only days ago suggests something appearing contradictory to the chamber’s claim in February of needing registered bylaws.

In a follow up with President Dave Leffingwell this week, he made clear that the chamber is not legally required to file its bylaws with the state. Other sources confirm this as well. 

***CORRECTION: After meeting briefly with President Leffingwell Friday, he clarified the 2023 bylaws will now the latest set utilized. 

We received an official 2023 copy from the chamber office Friday.

The annual meeting is aimed for Thursday March 16 at the Boonville VFW.

Image via the Boonville Area Chamber of Commerce.