More Local Government Mergers Ahead

Posted byChris Thompson - 04.25.2011

Advance Northeast Ohio's call for more government collaboration and efficiency is being heard in Columbus.

State Auditor Dave Yost said this month he intends to introduce legislation that will allow townships and even counties to merge. He told the Plain Dealer that the time is ripe for government consolidations.

But as this story by Dave Scott of the Akron Beacon Journal highlights, local governments continue to struggle with how best to share resources. It's easy to say, but much harder to do. Indeed, the Cuyahoga Falls school board is taking a long look on whether to share a superintendent with the nearby Woodridge schools and while the move would save money, it's not an easy decision as this story shows.

One thing is certain, the fiscal crisis facing our local schools and governments will continue. Those communities that take the lead on finding opportunities to share services and reduce costs will be much healthier than those that lag.

 

 

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Comments

Al Bollas said:
As the Mayor of Ohio's newest City, New Franklin in Summit County, and former Franklin Township Trustee, I have encouraged the Village of Clinton, who is facing hardships with their expenses, to do a merger study with us. We already have partnered our fire and police services. I also encourage Coventry Township to do a merger study with New Franklin and creating the new City of Portage Lakes, which would be one of the largest in the county.

Posted: 04-27-2011 at 09:07 AM

Scott Wachter said:
Merging of cities is an idea worth exploring and giving serious consideration. A good place to start are cities that share school districts.

Posted: 04-26-2011 at 06:58 PM

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