William E. Hodge on Cities’ Sharing Service Costs

During 1992, many Orange County residents wrote about their thoughts and feelings in articles for Orange County opinion pages. As we look back on the year, some of those thoughts are recalled in these excerpts.

Last year’s state budget disaster left cities statewide with more than $400 million less for municipal services such as police, fire, public works and recreation programs. Ironically, economic development programs designed to increase local and state fiscal resources also suffered significant reductions.

With the projected state deficit currently running an estimated $5 billon to $6 billion for next year already, it’s a safe bet that legislators will be eyeing municipal coffers to help make up the difference again next year.

That translates into significantly fewer services in our neighborhoods. The climate will call on city officials to tap into creative approaches to local government in order to provide basic services.

One such approach that holds promise is the possibility of sharing services among groups of adjacent cities in an effort to increase efficiencies and reduce costs. The idea has potential, but the effort will have to be balanced with the need to retain management controls.

Many of these ideas will pay benefits to those with the courage and vision to pursue them.

William E. Hodge is executive director of the Orange County division of the League of California Cities.