The Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Central Otago District Council (CODC) offices are next door to each other in Dunorling St, Alexandra, and the two organisations plan to soon share a reception area.
District council chief executive Leanne Mash said the idea came from the regional council, with the aim of improved efficiency.
"The real advantages are for the ratepayers of the CODC and ORC. Soon we will offer them the one-stop-shop convenience to pay both ORC and CODC rates invoices at once, should they choose to pay over the counter at Alexandra, Ranfurly, Roxburgh or Cromwell [at district council service centres].
"So it’s a win for people and their time, especially those people from further afield who would have driven in to Alexandra to pay the ORC notice."
District council staff in Alexandra would also provide some basic services on behalf of the regional council, including reception services and providing regional council information.
Over time, there would be a shared reception space, freeing up floor space in the local government building, which could be used as office space.
"This will also end confusion as to which council reception is which. The single reception space will be the go-to spot for both ORC and CODC customers," Ms Mash said.
The district council would work with all its Otago counterparts in exploring opportunities to work collaboratively.
It already shared library services with the Queenstown Lakes District Council and had joined forces with other organisations to market tourism.
A report tabled to the regional council meeting this week said the shared service arrangement with the district council was being finalised and should be operating by September 1.
