Mergers should be explored
Published 7:23 pm Monday, March 8, 2010
When times are tough in the business world, mergers of companies are a proven tool for reducing duplication, increasing efficiency and saving money. In other words, getting more competitive.
In government, consolidating services can offer similar benefits. Opportunities to reduce overhead by combining administrative and clerical functions, sharing facilities and gaining greater buying power ought to be explored thoroughly by government at all levels — especially as budget shortfalls are worsening.
Tonight, that will be the topic when commissioners of Fire District 1 and Fire District 7 meet at 7 p.m. at the latter’s Clearview headquarters (8010 180th St. SE). The two south Snohomish County districts will renew a discussion they’ve had in past years, exploring whether streamlining operations through a merger makes sense.
District 1 board Chairman Jim Kenny told Herald writer Oscar Halpert that both sides are “starting from ground zero,” and that objective information needs to be collected regarding the potential advantages and disadvantages.
That’s exactly the right approach, and one that’s needed in other areas of government, as well.
The Legislature’s joint audit committee is studying the potential cost saving of merging smaller school districts. It’s due to issue a report in June.
Fifteen different school districts lie within Snohomish County (one, Northshore, straddles the King County line). That’s 15 different administrative departments, and almost as many different transportation systems. If the committee’s analysis shows the potential for substantial cost savings or other benefits, consolidation should get a closer look. Any realistic opportunity to reduce overhead, if it leaves more money for classrooms, must be pursued.
Similar opportunities could lie in higher education, where community and technical colleges could look at combining back-office and other support functions to save money. You can probably think of other examples.
The renewal of merger talks between the fire districts, which has the support of both firefighter unions, apparently was spurred by the pending retirement of District 7 deputy chief Rick Rauma, and the idea of sharing his replacement’s job with District 1 — an attractive cost-cutting move. Combining other administrative jobs should be no less attractive, even in the absence of retirements. If the same work can be done for less money, it has to be considered.
That’s how it works in the private sector. And although comparisons between public and private enterprises aren’t always apples to apples, one principle applies to both: Every dollar counts.
