Senate OKs more shared services

The state Senate today unanimously passed legislation, sponsored by Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine, that allows county, city, town and village highway chiefs to more easily share services.

The legislation allows counties to rent machinery from cities, villages and towns, regardless of whether or not that municipality is located within its border. Current law only allows counties to rent machines from towns within their jurisdiction.

The legislation was endorsed by the Legislative Commission for Rural Resources, which Mr. Aubertine chairs. It now awaits an Assembly vote.

“This legislation lifts onerous and unjustifiable restrictions that have kept pro-active and cost-conscious municipalities from sharing services and equipment on a larger scale," said Mr. Aubertine in a statement. "This savings will help municipalities in their efforts to reduce property taxes.”