Lake George Town Supervisor Dennis Dickinson and Lake George
Village Mayor Robert Blais have announced an agreement to hold a first annual
Shared Services Conference between the two municipalities on Tuesday, December
10.
The purpose
of the conference will be to evaluate and discuss all the current services
shared and explore additional ways to expand them or create new ones.
The two
municipalities currently share services in sixteen areas and boast that is the
most between a town and village in New York State.
He also
related that they have a unique opportunity to expand those services as they
employed brothers as their new Superintendent of Public Works. Rob Lanfear (town)
and Keith Lanfear (village) have both recently been appointed to fill positions
vacated by retirees.
Currently
the Village and Town share Justice Court, Assessor, Code Administration, Code
Enforcement, Youth Commission, Waterfront Safety, Dog Warden, Fire Protection,
Sewage treatment and Landscaping Services.
They
also share costs on the Teen Center, Student Connections and special events.
The Village Hall was built on Town land and the Town’s Recycling Center is on
Village property. Both are rent fee.
Supervisor
Dickinson and Mayor Blais have estimated the cost savings to be over $150,000
for both municipalities.
The
Mayor, Supervisor, key department employees and others involved in the services
will be invited to attend. Members will then be expected to report back to
their individual Boards with recommendations for next year.
“Lacking
total consolidation of our communities we are always looking for ways to
improve our services and save taxpayers’ funds,” Mayor Blais said.
Town
Supervisor Dickinson said, “Both of our communities have benefitted over the
years from sharing services and this conference will solidify our intentions
each year.”
Lake
George Village is located in the center of the town and sharing services makes
so much sense both leaders said.
Questions:
Mayor Robert Blais 518-668-5771 x8
Supervisor Dennis Dickinson 518-668-5722