Optimizing Police Protection Services (2012 LGAA)

Village of  Laurel Hollow (Winner)
County: Nassau County
Population: Less than 5,000
Village Hall: (516) 692-8826

Since 1997, the Village of Laurel Hollow has contracted with Nassau County for police patrol services. During this period, the contract cost of police services increased by over 100% and now accounts for almost 50% of the total Laurel Hollow budget. A neighboring village, Oyster Bay Cove, was also struggling with increased police costs due to increases in pension fund contributions and healthcare costs.  The two municipalities hired a joint consultant to study the feasibility and define parameters under which a combined police patrol arrangement could work.

The consultants report indicated that there could be combined saving of almost $1 million if Oyster Bay Cove could provide the police services to Laurel Hollow. The change in police services is scheduled to take place on June 1, 2012. This transition from Nassau County Police department to Oyster Bay Cove Police Department will save Laurel Hollow close to $500,000 in the first year itself.

In order to get this project accomplished, the communities had to undertake a significant amount of brainstorming to come up with a formula under which both villages would share the risks of unquantifiable increased costs (pensions, health care, overtime, etc). This shared risk approach for the unknowns was key to getting both villages to an agreement.

The Village also realized that these types of agreements are difficult to negotiate because change is often not well received by residents. Consequently, the Village made a concerted effort to keep the residents informed throughout the negotiation process and by holding a special meeting at which questions of the residents were answered.These actions helped the Village to get the community's support of the new arrangement.

Since police protection is the largest component of the Village's budget, this arrangement will significantly help the Village in keeping property taxes low and being able to provide quality municipal services. Furthermore, rather than the four regular officers the Village had when it was served by Nassau County Police Department, there will now be a dedicated staff of 13 officers and a Chief serving the two villages.Finally, it is estimated that over the five-year period of the contract, the projected cost savings will be approximately $2 million.