Governor Patrick has declared September as Massachusetts Regionalization Month proclaiming that;
Regionalizing municipal services is an untapped resource ...
... that can save millions for the Commonwealth's taxpayers if carried to its full extents.
One area where regional services are taking hold is E911 call centers. On September 3rd, Lieutenant Governor Murray announced almost $8 million in grants to help municipalities implement regional 911 dispatch services. California has four 911 dispatch centers, Massachusetts with 1/10 the population has hundreds.
Public health is another area where regionalization could save municipalities. Boston University's School of Public Health has begun a project to help towns and cities identify areas for co-operation and savings. There is a working model of the regional approach in the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health. Fourteen towns in central Massachusetts have been sharing the costs of providing Board of Health services since 1931.
Communities in the South Coast of Massachusetts are using the regional planning agency, Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD), to aggregate purchases of asphalt, road sand and salt, and other commodities in an effort to drive down costs.
Other areas where I think regional services could help to reduce costs are schools, conservation, planning, public works, policing, building inspection, animal control, health insurance, and many other areas. Some that you wouldn't expect such as Acushnet and Mattapoisett sharing a Town Accountant.
Local boards, agencies and employees hate the idea of regional services, so I think this is a change that must be driven by the taxpayers or by the mayors, managers and Selectmen.
Do you have any examples of regional solutions that are working for municipalities?
I would like to know what they are. Let me know in comments.
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6 comments:
Without doubt, there are opportunities for communities to work together and provide services in a more cost-effective way. Lets hope the added focus this month yields results.
Also, I'd like to note the improved tone in Town these days. Elected officials are acting professionally and conducting themselves in a way that reflects well on the town. Hopefully, the days of divisive and actions and personal attacks are a thing of the past.
Until the next election.
Life is great with Cruella Deville out of the picture. Just one more removal from the SB and life will be Grand..
Actually, I think the attitude at town hall has gotten worse, especially among certain code enforcement boards. Did anyone see the last zoning board meeting where they have been giving that hairdresser on Cove Rd such a hard time? She stated in the meeting that when they met with her, one of them told her to shut up. The board member even admitted that he was wrong.
Wait till Cressman shows up with his style of management, Oh boy i can't wait!!!
One more removal??? I assume you are referring to Joe Michaud which means you have no problem with Bill Trimble. So can we expect your support when Bill runs again or will you be back on here saying nasty things about him come election time?
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