The current municipal budget crunch in our town, state and nation presents problems and opportunities according to an op-ed letter from Lawrence Ashley, a Selectman in our neighboring town of Freetown. I agree with Mr. Ashley on most points especially that the budget crunch presents opportunity as well as problems. The crisis may force communities to look at regional solutions where they would not have in the past. Many feel that will result in savings to the taxpayer.
State Rep. Stephen Canessa of New Bedford has introduced legislation to study regionalization, ...
...its benefits and barriers to its implementation. The Standard Times article can be found here Representative Canessa says,"What we are looking to do is find greater efficiencies from government, to provide more services for people's tax dollars." The article also quotes Governor Patrick from his State of the State speech, "encouraging as much regionalization of local services as practical."
What are your thoughts on regionalizing services and which services do you think would lend themselves to that option?
Saturday, January 17, 2009
State and local officials look to regionalization
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9 comments:
Bill, I have never understood the need for Dartmouth to have 3 separate Fire Departments-they also never or raley get mentioned in any talks about cost savings during SB meetings. Why is that and can this be changed so future budget cutting discussions include possible changes to the fire department structure. 3 chiefs, different departments all looking to have the newest, best equipment etc., seems there has got to be a more efficient way to do this or at least talk about why what we have is the best, most efficient way. There cannot be any sacred cows when every other department is under the microscope. What do you think?
You are absolutely correct that the fire districts could probably save money by consolidating. There are a couple of reasons why this has not occurred. The first being that the fire districts provide good service at a modest price and second, the districts are bureaucracies and want to perpetuate themselves. The Fire Districts are separate from the town government altogether. They have their own tax levy and they are governed by Prudential Committees that are elected by the residents. Therefore the Select Board and Town Meeting have no control or influence over the Fire Districts. If you would like to change the districts, you will have to run a slate of candidates for the various prudential committees who support consolidation.
I'm not sure exactly what the youth advocate does, but, we do have guidance counselors that must provide some of what he does. The school has its SRO back, and the police have their IMPACT project, which sounds to be a success. Plus, there is no shortage of social workers, therapists, etc., and I would imagine someone could be found that may not charge an arm and a leg, and, unless I am very wrong, there is probably some financial assistance out there if one looks. I will admit that maybe they are overworked, but it would not be our money, or at least not that much of it, that is being spent on another salary that possibly could be eliminated. Is the youth advocate the most crucial position to keep?
Again, unless I'm mistaken, I thought that position was one that was set for elimination a few years back, but there was a fight for it and funding for it came in at the last minute. Unfortunately, if the library and the COA and no doubt other areas/departments have to face cuts or the ax, as it were, maybe this one will have to, as well.
If there is even the slightest redundancy in tasks, maybe it and other positions need to be seriously considered. I am not saying we should abandon our children, but some things have to be looked at very, very seriously
Thank you for answering the fire district question Bill. From the sounds of it, these districts are sort of self perpetuating organisms with limited ability for the townspeople to sontrol without what no doubt would be a gargantuan effort to change their structure. That's too bad in my opinion as I said earlier the town's issues are dire enough that every department should reciev the same scrutiny beyond a belief that they are run well at a modest cost.
This is a great start! Thank you to Rep. Canessa.
we have lost more than one guidance councilor over the last few years. We need our youth advocate. His role is unique and genuinely needed.
To be honest I didn't give it a lot of thought but I think animal control is a start and police dispatch,and I agree with Mr.Canessa on the elderly services.I'm not sure I would want regionalization for education beyond Voke. Can you please tell me what you think should and should not be regionalized?
If you want to know what the Youth Advocate does, just go down to his office and find out. His work is nothing like a Guidance Counselor. A Guidance Counselor is availble to advise students about their choices in education. To see that that they are maximizing their classes for schooling or work after high school.
The Youth Advocate holds group sessions, counsel kids, helps them with familial and social problems and concerns and is available 24-7 for any kid that needs him when they are troubled or having problems.
Two different jobs and services.
What are his qualifications to be counseling children? I am concerned about liability.
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