Date: August 21, 2025
For more information:
Christopher Formisano, Communications Director
(845) 808-1001
Putnam County Marks Historic Public Works Agreement
Watch the full event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw-T5cVuv3A
CARMEL, NY – At a press conference yesterday, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne announced that
all nine towns and villages across the county have signed on to a groundbreaking countywide Shared
Services Agreement for highway services. Byrne stood alongside Kent Highway Superintendent Richard
Othmer at the Town of Kent Highway Department and representatives from every town and village in the
county.
The historic agreement formally allows all municipalities for the first time to share resources, equipment,
and services in order to cut down on waste and inefficiencies while delivering meaningful savings for
taxpayers. Earlier this year, Byrne also championed a first-ever sales-tax-sharing agreement earlier with
all towns and villages which was signed into law by Governor Hochul on August 7, simultaneously
clearing the way for the largest property tax cut in Putnam’s history in next year’s county budget.
“This is a tremendous win-win for local highway departments and the taxpayers of Putnam County,” said
County Executive Kevin Byrne. “For years, our local municipalities have shouldered the same rising costs
as county and state governments without the flexibility of additional revenue streams. By working
together, we are now creating a smarter, more responsible and efficient way to share services among
towns and villages, keep local tax dollars closer to home, and strengthen the critical infrastructure our
residents rely on.”
Superintendent Othmer praised the agreement saying, “For years, Highway Superintendents across
Putnam have collaborated informally, lending equipment and manpower when needed. This agreement
formalizes that cooperation and ensures that all towns and villages can benefit. It’s a fair plan, it’s fiscally
responsible, and it will help us provide better service for our residents. I’m proud to stand alongside all my
fellow Highway Superintendents and County Executive Byrne to make this a reality.”
The agreement has already been unanimously supported and signed by all nine municipal leaders: six
town supervisors and three village mayors. In order for this agreement to be effectuated, enabling
resolutions were first introduced and passed by the respective governing boards including the County
Legislature.
To conclude the press conference, County Executive Byrne and all of Putnam County’s Highway
Superintendents formally signed the Intermunicipal Agreement together, marking the official start of this
historic partnership. The ceremonial signing underscored the unity and cooperation behind the initiative,
as every municipality pledged its commitment to sharing resources and working collaboratively for the
benefit of all residents.
“This is the kind of collaboration that residents expect from their leaders,” Byrne concluded. “Together, we
are building a stronger, more resilient and more affordable future for Putnam County.”
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