County, City, School District Want To Share Services

Rome, NY (WIBX) - Three layers of local government are willing to examine the possiblity of sharing some services.

The Rome City School District has asked the City of Rome and Oneida County to be co-applicants for a New York State Department of State Local Government Efficiency Grant of $50,000. It would examin the feasibility of sharing services between the three, County Executive Anthony Picente said.

"Being a county, a city and a school district, we have different regulations, different needs and different requirements."

The areas that will be examined include purchasing and accounts payable, maintenance and grounds, parks and recreation, technology and other business functions which may include insurance and payroll administration, according to Picente.

"We are anxious and hopeful that we can achieve real savings for the taxpayers. These partnerships are crucial to the continued existence and delivery of services that our taxpayers expect and deserve," said Mayor James Brown.

"The Rome City School District, in an era of declining state support for public schools, needs to examine every opportunity to save costs for the taxpayers in ways that do not hurt students," Rome Superintendant Jeff Simmons said.

The $50,000 grant would require a local share of $5,555, meaning each of the three co-applicants would be responsible for $1,852.

In order to be a co-applicant, Oneida County needs approval from the Oneida County Board of Legislators, Picente's office said. It will be presented at to the board during Wednesday's meeting.