Why Should A County Consider Consolidation?
Below are some reasons for forming a Metropolitan Government in Sullivan County, Tennessee.
Both proponents and opponents of local government consolidation brandish a substantial list of reasons to support their positions. Yet, experts agree that consolidation has the potential to offer at least the following advantages.
- An economic development edge: Having a consolidated government allows the community to react quickly to proposed economic development prospects. Instead of having to deal with two or more governments, prospective businesses have one point of contact. Business and industrial prospects like the idea of licensing and inspection offices under the authority of one government. There’s less red tape. Also, cooperative countywide planning and zoning is an economic development plus. When Augusta and Richmond County in Georgia debated consolidation in 1995, one consolidation proponent said the merger would result in 10,000 new jobs in five years. Voters of those jurisdictions overwhelmingly endorsed the plan.
- Economies of scale: Combined purchasing power and efficiency can result in taxpayer savings. For example, public works operations can share machinery, personnel and equipment. Consolidated law enforcement departments may find themselves with the ability to fund additional patrols. A small city may find itself better able to offer services that weren’t cost-effective before.
- Less duplication: Cities and counties many times fund similar operations, such as road building, fire protection and solid waste services. With consolidated government, one office would replace two or more.
- Government accountability: One unified government is easier for voters to understand than several local jurisdictions. This increased visibility may better focus public attention on governmental operations.
- Harmony: One government will eliminate some discord, such as annexation disputes, and local planning and zoning issues may be more readily resolved. more