Westchester Reporter

Westchester County has been awarded $677,086.87 from New York State's County-Wide Shared Services Initiative (CWSSI). This funding follows the processing of shared services plans submitted by the county for 2018 and 2019. The CWSSI program is designed to help local governments reduce expenses and lower property taxes through collaboration among municipalities and school districts.

The projects submitted by Westchester County included various cost-saving initiatives aimed at modernizing operations, improving efficiency, and providing financial relief to taxpayers. These initiatives involved streamlining government services, digitizing records, enhancing public safety, and improving sustainability efforts. Notable projects included the creation of a county-wide shared services portal, electronic records management systems, centralized IT contracts, and regional tax assessment programs.

Efforts to improve public safety were prioritized as well. Projects focused on consolidating law enforcement operations, enhancing emergency management coordination, and expanding school resource officer programs. Additional initiatives addressed energy efficiency improvements, municipal purchasing collaborations, and feasibility studies for consolidating water and sewer districts.

County Executive Ken Jenkins stated: “Westchester County remains focused on finding new ways to reduce costs while ensuring high-quality services for our residents. The success of these shared services programs demonstrates the power of collaboration in delivering meaningful financial relief to municipalities and taxpayers.”

Director of Operations Joan McDonald remarked: “The CWSSI provides crucial support to municipalities operating within tight budgets. By working together, local governments can achieve efficiencies that would be difficult to accomplish alone. This funding reinforces the value of inter-municipal cooperation and helps strengthen the services provided to residents.”

As a result of New York State's processing of these matches from 2018 and 2019 plans, participating municipalities will receive direct financial benefits. Westchester County remains committed to exploring new opportunities for expanding shared services with an aim towards reducing costs while maintaining efficient government operations.