We are talking about local governments here in New York this weekend on In Focus.

JoDee Kenney was joined by Chris Koetzle, executive director of the Association of Towns of New York state. This level of government, Koetzle said, is the primary provider of services for nearly half of New Yorkers.

Koetzle said AOT works with towns of all sizes and populations, providing their governments with educational and legal support, low-cost insurance options for municipal workers and advocacy for their interests in Albany. Funding is one critical component, and Koetzle said money from sources like AIM help keep property taxes down and services running for residents. AOT is urging this aid, as well as CHIPS funding for local road and bridge infrastructure, to be tied to inflation, allowing towns to better keep up with increasing costs. 

Recruitment and retention of town employees was another priority Koetzle highlighted. He said policies to streamline civil service and lift earnings caps for retirees returning to the workforce will ensure frontline services are delivered to some 9 million New Yorkers in towns across the state.

You can watch the full interview in the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York on In Focus with JoDee Kenney every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.