$19,342,064 in State Matching Funds as a Result of Taxpayer Savings Achieved in 2019
State Approves 95% Match of Taxpayer Savings Generated Through the Implementation of New, Locally Identified Shared Services Projects
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Onondaga County and municipal partners will receive over $19 million in state matching funds via the County-Wide Shared Services Initiative (CWSSI) for efficiency partnerships with the City of Syracuse, Syracuse City School District, Cayuga and Oswego Counties and the Villages of Manlius and Fayetteville. Onondaga County led efforts to consolidate services and save taxpayer money through government efficiencies in services and community programs.
"Here in New York, we are committed to finding new and innovative ways to save taxpayer dollars," Governor Hochul said. “I applaud the leadership efforts of Onondaga County along with Cayuga and Oswego counties, the City of Syracuse, the Syracuse City School District and all the local officials for thinking outside the box to find efficiencies to help cut costs and generate real savings for New York taxpayers.”
Onondaga County initiated five shared services projects to achieve more than $20 million in taxpayer savings in the first year of project implementation. Savings of similar amounts should continue into future years as the shared services partners continue these projects and services. During this fiscal year, the CWSSI provides 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. The five projects Onondaga implemented are as follows:
- Partnered with the City of Syracuse and the Syracuse City School District to save $16,609,003 through the creation of a Joint Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan.
- Onondaga County partnered with the City of Syracuse and Oswego County to offer Pharmacy Benefit Manager Services for a savings of $3,412,968.
- The Villages of Manlius and Fayetteville partnered to share deputy fire chief duties to save $214,418.
- Onondaga County partnered with Cayuga County on a combined road salt bidding initiative for a savings of $111,678.71.
- The Villages of Manlius and Fayetteville partnered to purchase five ambulances saving taxpayers $12,000.
The 95% state match for identified shared services will result in the following total award amounts:
Onondaga County – $5,424,961
City of Syracuse – $9,416,936
Syracuse City School District – $4,285,070
Village of Fayetteville – $106,238
Village of Manlius – $108,860
Acting Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, "We are committed to working together with our local government partners to continuously look for new ways to save taxpayer dollars and create efficiencies. This savings achieved by Onondaga County illustrates the real difference the County Wide Shared Services Initiative can make for taxpayers across New York.”
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Onondaga County is constantly looking for ways to provide the highest quality of services to our residents while being good stewards of their tax dollars. These latest successful initiatives with our fellow municipal partners are proof of those efforts. Thank you to Governor Hochul for recognizing these efforts and providing these matching funds. We look forward to finding additional ways we can help find savings for our local taxpayers.”
City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “By working together with Onondaga County and the Syracuse City School District, we’ve been able to capture significant savings for local taxpayers while delivering quality health care benefits and services to our employees. The state matching funds initiative makes the collaboration even more beneficial to the people we serve. I thank Governor Hochul for delivering on this state commitment to reward effective shared services programs. I look forward to working with our local partners on future collaborations to save money and improve services.”
Senator John W. Mannion said, “Sharing services and finding efficiencies across local governments is good for taxpayers and Onondaga County has proven to be one the gold standards in New York State. I’m proud to join Governor Kathy Hochul in supporting the CWSSI program and the over $19 million in state matching funds generated through county-led partnerships with the schools, the city, and surrounding communities including Fayetteville and Manlius.”
Senator Rachel May said, "Our residents deserve efficient services from the government. Municipalities streamlining how they deliver services generates savings while maintaining the quality of service delivery. It is exciting news that this partnership has saved millions in taxpayer dollars and that the state is awarding matching funds here in Onondaga County. Thank you to Governor Hochul and congratulations to all the municipalities!"
Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “State matching funds via the County-Wide Shared Services Initiative (CWSSI) encourages efficiency partnerships, such as consolidating services, and saves taxpayers money. This program is an example of local and state governments innovating ways of better serving our residents at a decreased cost.”
Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “This significant funding, as a result of collaborative shared service, is a win-win for our taxpayers. Subsequently, the success of this implementation will continue to expand opportunities to cut costs even further. We thank Governor Hochul and our local representatives for the commitment to Upstate New Yorkers and support of our municipal partners.”
Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said, "Our county, city and school district should be proud of the work they did under the shared service initiative. Not only will this collaboration improve services, it will also save residents on property taxes. With our area receiving the greatest amount of matching funds, we will be able to invest even more in our local services."
The CWSSI generates property tax savings by facilitating collaboration between local governments across the state. 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 [email protected] or call 518 473-3355.