WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. – Gov. Cuomo signed legislation in May to cut the cost of local government, and in turn, lower homeowners' property taxes.

He first announced the plan a month earlier during his budget address, calling on county executives to lead the charge to find ways to share services provided between cities, towns and villages.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz had the task of coordinating with 44 mayors and town supervisors to look for efficiencies over the last six months.

"We didn't even have an idea about it until April 10th, and here we are today in the second week of October, and we've completed it and it was a very difficult task to the point where some counties didn't even attempt to do it this year," Poloncarz said.

The plan has 22 initiatives that would save $4.2 million to $4.5 million annually.

The biggest relief in the plan comes from hazardous waste collection, which accounts for $2 million in savings.

"It costs a lot. Everyone, when they go to these household hazardous waste disposal events and they're free, they go "this is great. It's free." No, we pay for it. We pay for it out of our tax dollars,” Poloncarz said.

Cuomo provided incentive for counties to look for savings.

As a part of the legislation, counties are eligible for a one-time match of the savings demonstrated through the shared services plan.

Poloncarz says based on discussions with Cuomo, that money could come back to Erie County by the end of 2018.

"We have to implement it, and then show the savings and then the dollars will flow back into the community," Poloncarz said.

Poloncarz says while he's pleased with the work done, he cautions it will not have significant bearing on people's taxes.

"For the average taxpayer, they're going to have a few dollars in savings. People shouldn't go out there and say "We're going to buy a new car now." That's not going to happen, but for the average taxpayer, they may see a few dollars savings in their annual tax bill," Poloncarz said.

Poloncarz says there are an additional ten points the committee worked on that could add up to more savings.

He says discussions will continue over the next year.