Creation of the Panel
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of each county (outside of NYC) convenes a Shared Services Panel within the county. The CEO shall serve as chair of the Panel. In addition to the CEO, the Panel must consist of the mayor of every city or village within the county, and the supervisor of every town within the county. The CEO may invite BOCES and/or Special Improvement Districts to participate on the panel. Upon invitation by the CEO, the governing body of the invited entity may accept the invitation by selecting, by a majority vote, a representative of the governing body to serve on the Panel.
Development and Submission
Development of the Initial Plan
The CEO shall regularly consult with and take recommendations from all the representatives of the shared services Panel as well as the representative of each collective bargaining unit of the county and the cities, towns, and villages and other optional invited panel members.
Submission to the County Legislative Body
CEO shall submit the plan to the county legislative body. The legislature has 45 days to review the plan and make any suggested changes or modifications to the plan. The plan must be accompanied by a certification as to the accuracy of the property tax savings. The following certification may be used: “By my signature below, I hereby certify that the savings identified and contained herein are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief”. Thereafter, the county legislative body shall review the Plan, and may, by a majority of its members, issue an advisory report with recommendations to the CEO.
Modifying the Plan
Upon receipt of an advisory report from the county legislative body, the CEO may modify the Plan. If modified, the CEO shall produce an updated certification as to the accuracy of the property tax savings.
Public Hearings
The CEO, the county legislative body, and the Panel shall accept input and testimony on the Plan from the: public, civic, business, labor, and community leaders. To facilitate such input, a minimum of three public hearings shall be held within the county. All such public hearings shall be conducted prior to the submission of the county-wide shared services property tax savings plan to a vote of the shared services Panel. Public notice of all such hearings shall be provided at least one week prior in the manner prescribed in subdivision 1 of section 104 of the Public Officers Law. This process should begin as early as possible, as at least three public hearings must be conducted prior to the Panel vote.
Panel Votes on Plan Submitted by CEO
A majority vote of the Panel is required for approval of the Plan. Each Panel Member must state in writing the reason for his or her vote. However, prior to the vote each member of the Panel may remove any proposed action that affects their local government. Written notice of the removal will be provided to the CEO prior to the Panel-wide vote. The panel must approve a plan on or before December 31 of the calendar year. The county has 30 days from the date of plan approval to submit the plan to the Department of State.
If the Plan is Approved:
The CEO shall finalize the Plan.
The CEO shall submit to the Department of State a certification of the Plan and its property tax savings plan. Plans must be submitted to [email protected]
Public Presentation of the Plan
If the Plan was approved, public notice of such public presentation shall be provided at least one week prior in the manner prescribed in subdivision 1 of section 104 of the Public Officers Law.