Counties Create Government Efficiencies by Consolidating Services

To Date, $35 Million Awarded to 21 Counties for Sharing Services 

Hamilton County and Its Municipalities Become the Latest Project to Combine Local Services 

The New York Department of State today announced Hamilton County and its partner municipalities have received a total of $235,421 in state matching funds via the County-Wide Shared Services Initiative (CWSSI). To date, this initiative has awarded about $35 million in matching funds to 21 counties in consolidated services. Hamilton County and its municipalities became the latest project to receive $235,421 in state matching funds by combining local services. 

“Consolidating services and finding government  savings are what the County-Wide Shared Services Initiative is all about,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “To see one hundred Shared Services projects is very encouraging because by working together to lower government costs, this initiative is protecting taxpayers from hefty tax bills and is creating new government proficiencies that will offer the same services in a smart and collaborative way.”

Hamilton County and its partner municipalities represent the latest county to receive state matching funds. Hamilton County identified three ways to consolidate services and save taxpayer money through programs with local governments. The County and its municipalities streamlined service operations, including solid waste recycling, school counseling and back office operations. 

The shared services projects that were implemented in Hamilton County are as follows: 

Solid Waste and Recycling System Restructuring - CWSSI award total - $207,262

• Hamilton County partnered with the municipalities of Arietta, Benson, Hope, Indian Lake, Inlet, Lake Pleasant, Long Lake, Morehouse, Wells and Speculator to restructure solid waste and recycling operations.

Shared Clinical Social Work Services - CWSSI award total - $20,968

• Hamilton County and the Indian Lake School District partnered to use the County Clinical Social Work resources to assist schools. 

Shared Back-Office Services - CWSSI award total – $7,191

• Hamilton County worked with the towns of Benson, Hope and Morehouse to consolidate the municipalities back-office operations.

The CWSSI generates property tax savings by facilitating collaboration between local governments across the state. Over the last five years, the CWSSI program has supported 100 shared services projects, generating more than $35 million in savings to local governments and taxpayers. CWSSI expands on New York State’s ongoing commitment to reduce property taxes and modernize local government services by fostering new shared services and enhancing the existing collaborations already in place.

During this Fiscal 22/23 year, CWSSI is providing a 100 percent state match of taxpayer savings achieved through the implementation of new shared services identified in county-wide plans. Guidance documents regarding the CWSSI and state match application process, as well as past CWSSI plans, are available here.

The County-Wide Shared 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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