Cherry Valley is the only town in Otsego County which still has a three-member town board. It may be one of, if not the only one left in the state, Garretson said.

When he spoke with state officials about making the change, he was told, ``we didn’t think any one did that any more.’’

Adding two members is something Garreston has been thinking about for some time and he expects to start taking steps to make the change soon.

He explained that up until 1981 it has been five members because justices also served on town boards. When that changed, most towns filled the two slots, but the decision in Cherry Valley was to let it remain as a supervisor and two board members.

A five-person board, he believes, would offer town residents better representation in local government.

Garretson said that as he understands the process, the board needs to adopt a resolution to add two new members. The resolution would be subject to permissive referendum. In the event residents wanted to challenge the decision, a petition could be circulated and if enough signatures are collected, it would be put on the ballot for the voters to decide.

Town officials in Cherry Valley are elected every two years and Garreston said if the board adopts a resolution, he would like to have a special election in 2008.

Right now, he waiting to hear from a state attorney and may do the resolution in September.

``I feel the time is right. I don’t expect there to be a problem,’’ he said.

Town board seats are currently held by Jim Johnson and Mark Cornwell.