Secretary of State Announces New Round of Shared Services - Improve Local Government Services and Reduce Taxes

ALBANY, NY (01/26/2010)(readMedia)-- New York Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez today announced the recipients of five Local Government Efficiency (LGE) awards totaling $220,500. These grants will fund various feasibility studies across the state – studies that represent the first step in a municipality's, county's or region's effort to share certain public services – from public schooling to waste management to emergency services.

To date, the Department of State's LGE program has funded 270 projects with a projected savings of more than $418 million for taxpayers from a $45 million state investment.

"Governor Paterson and I are committed to helping local governments deliver high quality, cost-effective services to New Yorkers," Secretary of State Cortés-Vázquez said. "These diverse projects illustrate the many ways that local officials are working together to reduce the costs while providing valuable services. These grants will help municipalities and counties gain the information needed to make informed decisions regarding cost savings."

State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Chair of the New York State Senate Local Government Committee, said: "I am so pleased to join Secretary of State Cortés-Vázquez in recognizing the recipients of local government efficiency awards across New York State. These grants will enable local governments to take the first steps to determine the feasibility of shared public services, to more effectively create savings for taxpayers and to enhance efficiencies. These grants are a vital tool for achieving those goals."

Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, Chair of the Assembly Local Governments Committee, said, "The Local Government Efficiency grants provide communities with valuable resources to save money. I will continue to support the use of these grants that assist both the municipality and the local taxpayer in real cost savings and shared services for individual projects throughout the state."

The five LGE awards are as follows:

1. Albany County – $49,500: In Albany County, the City of Albany has reached landfill capacity and the Town of Colonie will reach landfill capacity in a decade; this Regional Solid Waste Management Authority feasibility study would help these and other municipalities in the area develop a coordinated effort to address future solid waste disposal needs in the region.

2. Barker Central School District (Niagara County) – $36,000: Merger feasibility study for Barker and Lyndonville Central Schools.

3. Fairview Fire District (Dutchess County) – $45,000: Feasibility study of potential consolidation, merger or cooperative agreement with one or more of its adjacent fire districts.

4. City of Schenectady (Schenectady County) – $45,000: The Schenectady Police Department will undergo a comprehensive analysis of the financial, legal and organizational benefits to a number of proposed options for the cost reduction and managerial improvement.

5. Steuben County – $45,000: This grant is a joint effort of Steuben, Allegany and Schuyler Counties to investigate the potential consolidation and/or sharing of 911 services.

The 2009-10 state budget authorized up to $11.5 million for grants for shared services and consolidation. The remaining submission deadlines for grants are 4:00 p.m. on February 17, February 24 and March 17, 2010 (all Wednesdays). Local officials should free to contact a program administrator with any questions at (518) 474-4752 or SharedServices@dos.state.ny.us.

The following statements were given in support of the LGE grant awards:

Albany County Executive Michael Breslin said: "We are pleased to receive this award to find a regional solution to solid waste management and thank Governor Paterson and Secretary of State Cortés-Vázquez for their support. There is tremendous need and potential to develop a more cost effective and environmentally friendly waste management system. Currently, there are eight solid waste management units in a seven county area. Working together, we can increase recycling, reduce waste, improve efficiency and save money."

Barker Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roger J. Klatt said, "The concept of a merger between the Barker and Lyndonville Central School Districts is a viable option that may result in potential savings to taxpayers, increased opportunities for students, management improvements and benefits to the communities. We are most appreciative for this financial support endorsed by Governor Paterson and New York Secretary of State Cortés-Vázquez. Both districts worked together in this initial application process and look forward to the results of a feasibility study."

Tory G. Gallante, Chief of the Fairview Fire District, said, "The Fairview Fire District is very grateful to the Department of State for its support of our efforts to address the significant fiscal challenges facing the district and our taxpayers. This grant will help us identify potential strategies to achieve cost savings and efficiency improvements while continuing to provide essential fire protection and emergency medical services to our residents."

Schenectady Mayor Brian U. Stratton said: "The opportunity to improve the efficiency and cost- effectiveness of the Schenectady Police Department and the police operations of our surrounding communities is well worth exploring. I applaud Secretary of State Cortés-Vázquez's support of this important feasibility study, which I believe can bring important benefits to all Schenectady residents."

Steuben County Administrator Mark R. Alger said: "This award offers Steuben, Allegany, and Schuyler Counties a unique opportunity to develop innovative strategies for regionalizing E-911 services and reducing costs to local taxpayers."