Regional services: Does it make sense?
Dennis AuBuchon
October 06, 2011
In these economic times there has recently been talk of creating regional services to save money for various governments. In some respect the logic makes sense while in others it does not. Creating an atmosphere of regional services such as fire and police may benefit some communities while others it may not. The reason for this statement involves the fact that some cities have no deficit in their spending habits in addressing the needs of their residents. Others do not have enough income to meet the needs of their residents.
I am not against some regional activity and in some aspects they make sense. Two examples involve developing a regional approach to attracting businesses and dealing with highway systems/needs. Topics like these make sense and should be created if not already in your respective areas.
Regional services such as fire and police have a negative aspect about them. Communities who are considering engaging in such governmental restructuring must consider the entire impact of the decision. One aspect is losing community connection to the services. Regional sources for fire and police are sometimes evaluated against the quality of service they provide. When this occurs it provides community recognition of the principles for which a community is engaged. Regionally the same thing would occur but it would not be associated with any specific community.
One of the major benefits to creating a regional approach to services and in some cases government functions is cost would be spread over a larger area with larger resources. One of the impacts of this activity involves the budget process and how it would be created and who would create it. Deciding who will represent the various communities to ensure each is receiving their proper recognition and focus on their needs. Electing these representatives would be critical in making regional activity work for all communities.
Another point communities need to consider is each one has their own identity and needs which may not be in agreement with other communities. Deciding where the income would be distributed could create problems and in some cases may be the downfall of this type of government structure/organization. It is true that there will be some areas of the country that will be successful in achieving regional cost savings and operational harmony but this will be difficult. When communities lose their individual identity within a regional structure some may feel that they do not belong to a particular city.
Another aspect of individuality is community events while they may still take place may create some disconnect between the community and regional government structure. In these economic times some communities are struggling with their budgets. Decisions made by these communities should not be made based solely on monetary benefits. Becoming a part of consolidating community services and government into a regional approach must be carefully evaluated.
I am not against some regional activity and in some aspects they make sense. Two examples involve developing a regional approach to attracting businesses and dealing with highway systems/needs. Topics like these make sense and should be created if not already in your respective areas.
Regional services such as fire and police have a negative aspect about them. Communities who are considering engaging in such governmental restructuring must consider the entire impact of the decision. One aspect is losing community connection to the services. Regional sources for fire and police are sometimes evaluated against the quality of service they provide. When this occurs it provides community recognition of the principles for which a community is engaged. Regionally the same thing would occur but it would not be associated with any specific community.
One of the major benefits to creating a regional approach to services and in some cases government functions is cost would be spread over a larger area with larger resources. One of the impacts of this activity involves the budget process and how it would be created and who would create it. Deciding who will represent the various communities to ensure each is receiving their proper recognition and focus on their needs. Electing these representatives would be critical in making regional activity work for all communities.
Another point communities need to consider is each one has their own identity and needs which may not be in agreement with other communities. Deciding where the income would be distributed could create problems and in some cases may be the downfall of this type of government structure/organization. It is true that there will be some areas of the country that will be successful in achieving regional cost savings and operational harmony but this will be difficult. When communities lose their individual identity within a regional structure some may feel that they do not belong to a particular city.
Another aspect of individuality is community events while they may still take place may create some disconnect between the community and regional government structure. In these economic times some communities are struggling with their budgets. Decisions made by these communities should not be made based solely on monetary benefits. Becoming a part of consolidating community services and government into a regional approach must be carefully evaluated.
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