The Village of Wellsville has a newly appointed Mayor and Trustee

Former Trustee Ed Fahs is now acting Mayor, Tim Colligan steps into Trustee role

By Andrew Harris, pictured is Mayor Fahs

On September 8^th, longtime Mayor Randy Shayler, elected to a third term in 2024, announced he was resigning and did so officially days later. 

ICYMI: Village of Wellsville Mayor Randy Shayler announces resignation effective September 12 – THE WELLSVILLE SUN

Shayler explained that he was leaving the “village in good hands and in good shape.”  He expected that trustee Ed Fahs would be appointed to serve as mayor until village wide elections were held. 

That expectation has officially happened after the village board voted to appointed local businessman and National Grid foreman as the acting Mayor of the Village of Wellsville.  The appointment is short-term and Fahs will face another vote in December to re-appoint him as Mayor for 2026.  A village wide election will take place in November 2026.

“I appreciate the faith the village board has placed in me and I thank former Mayor Shayler for his endorsement and his service to the village for nearly a decade.  We have a very experienced and dedicated board of trustees in place to continue serving the village to the best of our abilities.”

Speaking of experience, the board also appointed Tim Colligan to replace Fahs as a new trustee.  Colligan’s appointment will follow the same “track” as Fahs, requiring another vote to appoint for 2026.  Tim has lots of experience on the village board, serving for many years under multiple former Mayors. 

“I have been asked why after being off the Board for 23 years, I decided to return. From the two terms I served under Mayor Bob Gardner and the two terms under Mayor Sue Goetschius, I always kept a keen interest in the happenings of the Village. When this opportunity came up to fill a vacancy and with the support of the village Republican committee, I was very appreciative and eager to step back to the plate. 

   Hopefully I still have something to offer and I will always pledge to have the village taxpayer’s interest at heart. “

We asked Mayor Fahs about some of the big picture questions as he begins his term as the 23^rd executive of the village:

• What is going on with the $4.5 million dollar grant?  Rumors abound that the timeline for initiating projects has closed and most of that grant money has expired?
  • Fahs: Currently only one major project is underway at the Wellsville Creative Arts Center.  Other projects are still in a holding pattern due to legal, financial, and other hangups.  One project, ‘The Well,” intended to restore the former municipal building has been pulled.  The funding has not expired and we certainly hope to see some of the other awardees start work soon.  Part of that grant is the Village Small Projects Fund, which will provide micro-grants to businesses, and that is just about ready to roll out.
• The village had received a major state grant to upgrade electric infrastructure and avoid a substantial rate increase.  Where does that stand ?
  • Fahs: That grant was announced by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). NYSERDA has awarded 4 Public Power Municipalities with this grant funding, however NYSERDA still must submit a package to the Dept. of Energy for their review. This could take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months for final approval.
• Any updates on the eminent domain action concerning the “Municipal Parking Lot”?
  • Fahs: The village is still engaged in that legal action and as with most legal matters, I really can’t comment on active litigation at this point.
• What about our beautiful and now empty former Community Bank on Main Street?  Any insight into that future?
  • Fahs: No I really don’t.  The bank still owns it and I expect they will put it up for sale at some point.  It’s a great building and an iconic part of our Main Street so I hope it finds a good new owner and future use.

Both Mayor Fahs and Trustee Colligan encourage village residents and business owners to get involved with local government.  The Village Board meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 6:00 PM in the Trustee’s Board Room at 23 N. Main Street.  Contact information can be found at Village of Wellsville – Home