When it comes to things like sales tax and water, Auburn City Hall and the Cayuga County Legislature have not always been on the same page.

But according to Auburn city officials, this is likely to change.

As both governing bodies face issues involving regionalization and consolidation of services, there is interest in cooperation and collaboration.

During a recent interview about his first year in office, City Manager Mark Palesh expressed a desire to work closer with the county on issues like sewer, water and possible regionalization of fire service over the next year.

And Mayor Michael Quill said the city has a “very good” relationship with the county Legislature.

He even occasionally meets with legislators from Auburn to bring each other up to date about city and county business, Quill said.

However, he said that there is not a major issue right now on which the city government is working directly with the county.

“I'm sure we'll be working together in the future, but there is nothing (specific) right now,” Quill said. “We all represent the city, and we all want to make sure we know where the other ones are coming from.”

City officials and some county legislators had disagreements last summer over a proposal to increase the city's share of county sales tax dollars. The deal would have increased Auburn's share by 1/2 of 1 percent, which officials said would allow the city to better maintain its water and sewer systems and encourage economic development.

There were also some concerns over the hiring of a water quality inspector for Owasco Lake before Jessica Miles was finally hired in August 2007.

But City Councilor Gilda Brower called this a “wonderful time” for the county and the city to work together for regional improvement. And as Gov. Eliot Spitzer places more emphasis on consolidation of municipal services, the two bodies will have to act together, she said.

“More immediate cooperation is feasible and possible,” Brower said. “Everyone is interested in regionalization and cooperation. ... A lot of heavy decisions have to be made.”

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.