NYS Department of State 2018 Local Government Efficiency Grant Program
The Town of Smithtown and Villages of Nissequogue, Head of the Harbor and The Branch plan to consolidate highway maintenance services to create efficiencies in operations and build functional capacity, creating a higher level of service for residents in routine and emergency situations.
Services that will be consolidated include roadway maintenance and repair (pavement, drainage, sweeping, roadside cleanup, bridges, and highway engineering). This consolidation will add 32 miles to the Town’s current 470 road miles. Fiscal analysis demonstrates the Town’s in-house Highway Department delivers these services to residents at a cheaper cost per mile than the Villages’ reliance on private contractors. During the operationalization phase, staff will refine legal, financial, and technical requirements to ensure all aspects of the new program are cost-effective and responsive to residents.
A software system to create efficiencies in managing complaints and work orders will create a communication link between the four municipalities, ensuring that all project partners will retain the ability to be directly responsive to resident concerns, and will increase productivity to allow the Town to service a larger geographic area with little increase to existing resources. The software will include asset management functions to help inventory items like pavement and drainage, support annual budget functions by tracking metrics, and efficiently prioritize resources. Automated work order management will reduce travel time and increase productivity.
The increases in Town resources necessary to service Villages are the hire of 2 FT staff and purchase of 1 tri-axle truck. A salt barn will be constructed in Head of the Harbor to efficiently service the eastern portion of the Town.
Total grant award is $799,982, representing 90% of total project cost estimated at $888,869. Town matching share 10%. Approved December 2017.
More on the LGE grant program: https://www.dos.ny.gov/lg/lge/grant.html