County Executive Steve Bellone joined with Legislator Rob Calarco and Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri today to announce the initiation of a unique shared services agreement between the County and the Village. The covenant, dubbed “Salt for Services,” calls for the Village to take on all general maintenance of the following County assets: County Road 19, (Waverly Avenue) from Roe Boulevard to Main Street, the 6th District Court property (located at 150 West Main Street) and the 5th Police Precinct property (located at 125 Waverly Avenue). In exchange, the County will provide the Village with free road salt, loan street sweepers on an as-needed basis and provide technical assistance.
     Efficiency was the chief goal of this agreement. Legislator Calarco explained, “This agreement is about two governments working together to maximize productivity. It is far easier for Patchogue Village work crews to maintain these small county properties as they conduct their regular day-to-day maintenance duties. Conversely, the County’s larger size allows it to purchase vital materials like salt at discounted rates unavailable to a smaller municipality like Patchogue Village.”
     “To put it simply: this is a commonsense move that will save taxpayers money,” Legislator Calarco went on, “In these tough financial times, we cannot afford to leave any stone unturned when it comes to cost-saving measures.”
     “As municipalities continue to face fiscal constraints, we need to look at opportunities were we can share services, create efficiencies and protect tax payers,” said County Executive Bellone. This intermunicipal agreement is beneficial to both Patchogue Village and Suffolk County. We will continue to look at more opportunities where we can save tax payer dollars and help to provide improved services.”
     “In order to effectively keep control of taxes while improving the quality of life for our residents, it is imperative upon us to work with all levels of government. The “Salt for Services” agreement is a great example of cooperation producing savings,” said Mayor Paul Pontieri.
     The “Salt for Services” intermunicipal agreement is expected to be adopted by the Legislature, and signed by County Executive Bellone and Mayor Pontieri by the end of October.