Local education and government officials are working together to try to save money.
Director John Davoli said North Central Ohio Regional Council of Governments is set up to save taxpayers money through sharing services, and the goal is to maintain and enhance services.
Members of the council of governments could join together to try to secure better rates for health care, fleet management, legal services, workers' compensation, facility maintenance and materials procurement.
Representatives from eight entities - Clinton Township, the village of New Riegel, North Central Ohio Educational Service Center, North Central Academy-Fremont, Seneca County, Seneca East Local School District, the city of Tiffin and Tiffin City Schools - are voting members of the council.
"That's the great eight," Davoli said.
Other officials also participate in the council of governments, and Davoli said the goal is to have hundreds of members.
"We want a broad spectrum of entities," he said.
Davoli said in the past, schools and cities have had separate councils of governments. The local council of governments is one of the first to join schools and government entities, he said.
The new group takes collaboration to the next level, he said.
"We basically have to," he said.
During a meeting at NCOESC Thursday afternoon, officials heard about topics such as services NCOESC offers, reducing legal costs and offering professional development. They also discussed the role of local vendors.
The next meeting is 2:30 p.m. May 17.
