Village of Middleburgh residents voted down the referendum to dissolve into the town that shares the same name. But as YNN's Maria Valvanis explains, many of those no votes came as a result of a fear of the unknown.

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MIDDLEBURGH, N.Y. -- The votes speak for themselves: 71 voted for a dissolution while 344 voted it down.

Matthew Avitabile, the Mayor of Middleburgh, said, “I think the voters made the right decision. I think the people know things are getting better and this is a very strong vote of confidence in the current leadership of the village.”

“I just hope they researched it and understand what they're voting for,” said John Shaw.

But that seemed to be the issue for most residents we spoke with. The four month period state law mandates a petition be brought to a vote wasn't enough time to make a decision.

Tom Vosalin said, “That is 100 percent correct. Not at all, so therefore, I say no.”

We asked Vosalin if it was possible his vote would have changed if he had more information. His response was, “Possibly, but at this stage in the game, no way.”

Lee Lacy said, “If you don't know all the answers, I'm not voting on it.”

“Research about the situation before putting it to a vote,” said Ethel Cater.

This doesn't necessarily mean it's the end of dissolution talk for the village. In four years, residents can petition for another vote.

“There's no growth here anymore in the village. As a taxpayer, I pay almost $900 for my taxes and what am I getting for that? It's going to be the same old same old here in Middleburgh,” said John Shaw.

If the vote had, passed Mayor Avitable says village taxes would have likely decreased, while town taxes would have increased. But without having the time to do a comprehensive study, there is no way of knowing how much.