FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 28, 2017

Contact: Jane Lerner, Director of Strategic Communications
Office of the County Executive (845) 638-5645

Rockland County Executive Convenes Shared Services Initiative Panel

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day is taking the lead toward making a plan to save money for taxpayers and creating efficiencies in government by inviting more than 50 municipalities and agencies to a panel on Tuesday, May 2.

The Rockland County-wide Shared Services Initiative Panel will hold its first meeting at 7 p.m., at the Rockland Community College Tech Building auditorium.

This meeting will be the first step in implementing the County-wide Shared Services Initiative, included in the state budget passed earlier this month.

The initiative calls upon the County Executive to come up with a plan to save property tax dollars by having municipalities and taxing districts share and centralize services.

"It's not going to be easy," Day said. "But we owe it to our constituents to explore every possible way to streamline government and make it more efficient and less costly."

The Rockland County Executive has invited representatives from more than 50 government agencies to take part in the panel, including town supervisors, mayors, school superintendents and officials from sewer districts, solid waste authority and ambulance districts, among others.

Towns and villages are required to be part of the initiative. Schools are urged to take part.

"We very much hope that school districts are a key part of the process since school taxes make up two-thirds of the average property tax bill," the County Executive said.

Day noted that there are few details available from the state about the new state law. A copy of the law is available on the Secretary of State website here or at https://www.dos.ny.gov/lg/countywide_services.html

The county is still seeking and receiving clarification about the many requirements and details of the law, Day said. The county has received only minimal guidance.

"At our first meeting, we will organize the panel, discuss the state-mandated scheduled and goals and start figuring out the process by which we will achieve those goals," Day said.

Everyone has much to gain from a successful outcome, Day said.

"The possibilities for saving tax dollars, and streamlining government by combining our efforts and reducing duplication will benefit our residents and businesses and improve the quality of life in Rockland County," he said.