Thanks to its shared services plan, Cayuga County is receiving over $443,000 in state matching funds.
The New York Department of State has announced the county will receive the money through the County-Wide Shared Services Initiative (CWSSI) which provides local governments with a match equal to savings achieved during an initiative’s first year. Cayuga County created a shared services plan to save taxpayer money and implemented three projects to do so, saving taxpayers $443,481 in 2020.
“Sharing services and finding efficiencies show that county and municipal officials are working hard on behalf of the taxpayers and families they represent,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez.“These projects, under the leadership of Cayuga County, have brought new cost-savings which means a lighter tax burden on local residents.”
$272,200.32 was awarded thanks to Cayuga County and the City of Auburn collaborating to bid on new Medicare Advantage plans, meaning lower premiums while keeping appropriate coverage.
Joint salt purchases by the county’s highway department, the Village of Moravia, and the Towns of Brutus, Fleming, Genoa, Locke, Sennett, Summer Hill, Niles, Venice, and Victory allowed for savings of $43,357,.08, resulting in a CWSSI match award.
By allowing fuel purchases from the county’s highway department by the City of Auburn, Auburn Enlarged City School District, Town of Ira, Sennett Fire District, and Throop’s Highway and Fire Departments, $127,823.71 in savings was achieved.
These three projects are expected to result in more savings in the coming years.
Area leaders had the following to say about the county’s shared services plan:
State Senator Rachel May said, “I applaud Cayuga County leaders for taking their financial responsibility seriously. Because of their prudent use of taxpayer money through shared services projects, Cayuga County saved nearly $450,000 in 2020. I’m excited that the New York Department of State has approved a match of those savings through the County-Wide Shared Services Initiative, helping to reduce property taxes for Cayuga County homeowners and improve local services for all residents. Thank you to Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez for your continued commitment to supporting communities throughout the 48th District.”
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said, “I’m happy to congratulate Cayuga County for receiving this important state grant and commend them for their efforts to find efficiencies across county operations. This award exemplifies a commitment to collaboration and fiscal responsibility. I applaud the efforts of county leaders and professionals to form partnerships and enhance public services while being mindful of taxpayer resources.”
Assemblyman John Lemondes said, “I’m proud that Cayuga County is being recognized for its fiscal responsibility by receiving these state funds. This is a perfect example of the kind of results localities can achieve when they promote realistic budgets and put taxpayers first. I hope more counties will follow in Cayuga’s footsteps to provide meaningful results for their constituents.”
Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan said, “This is an important recognition by New York State of the hard work local governments are doing to cut red tape and improve efficiency. This funding and the savings achieved will help to hold the line on taxes, while ensuring that we have tools needed to drive efficiency. We all depend on local government to deliver critical services and maintain our infrastructure. We must continue to collaborate, innovate and work together to deliver for our local community.”
Cayuga County Legislature Chairman David Gould said, “By working with our partners in government, we have been able to save our taxpayers more than $443 thousand dollars. Our county staff and partners put forward great ideas that not only save taxpayer dollars but build a stronger Cayuga County.”
Auburn Mayor Michael Quill said, “On behalf of our City Council we are proud of the partnership that has been forged with Cayuga County. This creates a more efficient and cost saving system benefiting the Citizens of Auburn and of Cayuga County. We thank Governor Hochul for making this a priority for our State.”
