ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – New York is supporting a shared service initiative in Tompkins County.

On October 31, Governor Kathy Hochul announced $8 million in grants for 21 projects across New York through the State Department’s Local Government Efficiency Grant Program (LGEG).

In Tompkins County, $324,000 has been awarded for a software conversion project in the Assessment Department.

“With support from the Local Government Efficiency Grant Program, we are taking a critical step toward modernizing property assessment in Tompkins County,” said Jay Franklin, Director of Assessment. “By developing a new Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) database, we aim to demystify the assessment process, promote transparency, and empower the public with clearer, more accessible data. This initiative is not just about technology – it’s about building trust and equity in how we value property across our communities.”

The competitively scored LGEG program provides planning and implementation funding to local governments that apply. It aims to incentivize municipalities to partner for efficiency and savings.

“We are constantly working with our local government partners to make New York State a more affordable place to live, do business, and raise a family, and many of our local governments are looking to do the same,” said Governor Hochul. “These municipalities are joining forces, looking at opportunities to lower costs and ultimately save taxpayers money. We will continue to work together and support measures that result in streamlined services.”

In related news, Cortland County received over $800,000 from the state last month through the County-Wide Shared Services Initiative, a New York State program with similar criteria.