Senator Saland Announces Shared Services Proposal For Local Government

Senator Steve Saland (R,C Poughkeepsie) today announced the following proposals for shared services by local government. First, the revision of state laws governing municipalities through the Law Revision Commission, making it easier for municipalities to share services. Second, providing technical assistance for municipalities that are working on inter-municipal cooperation ($5 million). Third, creating a shared services highway program ($15 million). Finally, increasing the current shared services program’s funding to $30 million.

"This Senate Majority proposal would encourage municipalities to work together and in turn save taxpayer dollars," said Senator Saland. "There are many instances were services are unnecessarily duplicated and could easily be shared, particularly in the case of very small local communities."

In the 2005-06 budget a $2.75 million Shared Services program was enacted. This program awards up to $100,000 per municipality for local governments that enter inter-municipal agreements. These new proposals would build on this program.