County Led Initiative of Shared Services Projects Helping Save Taxpayers Money 

State Approves 95% Match of Taxpayer Savings Generated Through the Implementation of New, Locally Identified Shared Services Projects

The New York Department of State today announced Wyoming County and its partner municipalities have received a total of $82,172 in state matching funds via the County-Wide Shared Services Initiative (CWSSI). During this fiscal year, the CWSSI is providing a 95 percent state match of taxpayer savings achieved through the implementation of new shared services identified in county-wide plans produced as a result of the Initiative. In 2019, Wyoming County and its municipal partners identified three ways to consolidate services and save taxpayer money through government efficiencies in services and centralized programs.

“We are continuously working with local governments across the state to achieve government efficiencies to better serve the public and achieve taxpayer savings,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “The County-Wide Shared Services Initiative is one of the key programs that motivates localities like Wyoming County to improve services for county residents and save money for many years.”

The shared services projects that were implemented are as follows:

Dialysis Services - CWSSI award total - $25,866.22

• Wyoming County partnered with Livingston County to establish a Dialysis clinic, sharing their respective resources and achieving cost savings for the counties.

Paving Machine Purchase - CWSSI award total - $22,337.64

• Wyoming County and the Towns of Castile and Perry and the Village of Perry partnered for cost savings on local road projects during the Summer of 2020 through the sharing of a paving machine.

Water Meter Readings and Meter Purchases - CWSSI award total – $33,969.04

• The Wyoming County Water Resource Agency underwent a water meter replacement initiative to purchase new meters with electronic reading capabilities. This measure provided cost savings in the municipalities of Bennington, Covington, Eagle, Java, Perry, Pike, Warsaw and Silver Springs.

Wyoming County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Rebecca Ryan said, “As part of Wyoming County’s continuing effort to provide the best quality of services in the most efficient, fiscally sound manner we have implemented three successful shared services projects.  These three projects have resulted in New York Department of State County-wide Shared Services Award of over $82,000.  Wyoming County is appreciative of the recognition and NYS CWSSI Award.”

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan said, "The County-Wide Shared Services Initiative recognizes local governments who have collaborated to identify efficiencies and, most importantly, save taxpayers' money.  By working with its municipalities and other governments, Wyoming County has effectively saved thousands of dollars while maintaining important services for residents.  I am pleased to see the state support of this unique program and encourage other local governments to follow Wyoming County's lead." 

Assemblymember David DiPietro said, "For once, we have an example of a government program that is working to help ease the crushing tax burden on our rural communities and municipalities. This money is going to go a long way to help improve the infrastructure and everyday lives of people in Wyoming County. I am looking forward to seeing this program in action."

The CWSSI generates property tax savings by facilitating collaboration between local governments across the state. Over the last five years, the CWSSI program has awarded more than $34 million in matching funds to 20 counties, supporting 93 shared services projects, and generating approximately $34.5 million in savings to local governments.

Guidance documents regarding the CWSSI and state match application process, as well as past CWSSI plans, are available here.

The County-Wide Services Initiative is administered by the Division of Local Government Services at the Department of State. The Division provides technical assistance and competitive grants to local governments. For more information on CWSSI or any programs administered by the Division, please contact localgov@dos.ny.gov or call 518 473-3355.

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