Albany County Department of General Services – Albany, NY

The Backbone of County Operations

Centralized Government Support

The Albany County Department of General Services (DGS) functions as the operational engine for the county government, providing essential centralized support to all other departments and agencies. Headquartered in the Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office Building on State Street, DGS ensures that the county’s infrastructure and logistical needs are met efficiently and cost-effectively. Directed by a Commissioner appointed by the County Executive, the department manages a vast portfolio of responsibilities, ranging from the maintenance of county-owned buildings to the procurement of goods and services. By consolidating these functions, DGS streamlines operations, saving taxpayer money and allowing other departments—such as Social Services and Health—to focus on their core missions of serving the public.

Purchasing and Fleet Management

A critical division within DGS is the Purchasing Bureau. This team oversees the acquisition of all supplies, equipment, and services required by the county, ensuring transparency and compliance with New York State municipal law through competitive bidding and request-for-proposal (RFP) processes. They also manage the disposal of surplus property through public auctions. Additionally, the department operates the Fleet Management division, which maintains and repairs the county’s extensive fleet of vehicles, from administrative cars to heavy-duty trucks, ensuring they are safe and ready for use by county employees.

Building Services and Central Supply

The Division of Building Services is responsible for the custodial care, security, and maintenance of county facilities, including the historic County Courthouse and the Family Court building. Their work ensures a safe and clean environment for both employees and the visiting public. DGS also manages the Central Supply and Printing division, which handles the county’s internal mail system, record storage, and high-volume printing needs. Through these diverse functions, the Department of General Services acts as the invisible hand that keeps Albany County running smoothly every day.

• Purchasing: Managing public bids and government contracts.
• Fleet Maintenance: Servicing and repairing county vehicles.
• Facilities Management: Cleaning and maintaining public buildings.
• Central Printing: In-house printing and mail distribution.
• Records Management: Archiving and storing official county documents.