Municipalities to Explore Working More Closely Together
The Intergovernmental Cooperation Council agrees to look into ways to consolidate services.
As nearly every municipality in the state faces major shortfalls in lieu of Gov. Scott Walker’s biennial budget proposal, it’s time for mayors and village presidents to get creative.
That was the message the Intergovernmental Cooperation Council of Milwaukee County sent when it unanimously approved an offer from the Greater Milwaukee Committee to formally look into ways municipalities can find cost-cutting measures through collaboration and, in some cases, consolidation.
At March’s ICC meeting, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett suggested the ICC look into consolidation initiatives, mergers or new methods of operating and managing local governments. At Monday’s meeting at the Greenfield Public Library, the ICC decided to move the process forward.
“I think we need to start looking at these things,” Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke said.
Neitzke gave the example of the need for a fire chief in each community. Greenfield, Greendale, Hales Corners and Franklin are all in the same fire zone, and if there is a fire in one of those communities, often times, units from all or most of those municipalities respond.
“If there’s a fire, you can bet they’re all going to show up," Neitzke said. "But does it make sense to have four chiefs? We already cooperate and coordinate, but we can do better.”
Many of the mayors and village presidents in attendance discussed how most municipalities already work together, either formally or through handshake agreements.
In the North Shore, the consolidation of multiple municipalities’ fire departments occurred more than a decade ago out of necessity, according to Glendale Mayor Jerome Tepper. How to manage the consolidation is still not cut and dried to this day.
“We gave birth to the North Shore Fire Department 15 years ago, and I think we’re still going through birthing pains,” he said. “There are still problems that come up. It’s that maintaining of consolidation that’s the hardest job. … But it’s important that the community leaders begin to focus on how we can work together instead of how we can work outside that loop.”
Shorewood Village President Guy Johnson said his village is looking at the consolidation of dispatchers, but said doing so will only move forward if it makes sense. That sentiment was shared by many ICC members.
“Increasing the service capabilities is most important,” he said. “Are we going to have better service by doing that? You have to be making sure you look at not just the dollar bottom line but the service of your constituents.”
The GMC has agreed to work with the ICC to find examples of cost-saving consolidating moves.
In other news from the meeting, Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor was elected Chairman of the ICC and Neitzke the Vice Chairman.
D.D.
9:32 pm on Tuesday, April 12, 2011
I support the consolidation of services if we can maintain the quality of services we receive while reducing costs (by reducing overhead) and keeping some of our local control. I believe the North Shore communities have done a good job of combining fire, water and health services. It appears that we are on the path of combining dispatch, which I expect to see similar results. I am hesitant of combining any services with Milwaukee or Milwaukee County. As recently as 2009, Whitefish Bay switched away from a combined recycling pickup (with Milwaukee) and saw costs drop while increasing the type of recyclables and eliminating the need to separate paper from plastic. This was not a good example of combined services with Milwaukee and it fuels my concern that combined services would lead to lower service quality, higher cost and limited local input. Tom Barrett and Chris Abele must take the lead on this proposal and understand one of the biggest hurdles they will have it a lack of trust in any plan presented. MATC, MMSD, Milwaukee Water Utility and Milwaukee County Parks should show how their costs and service results compare to other similar institutions across the state and urban areas. Until the plans are robust and existing county wide services efficiencies are validated, Whitefish Bay should limit consolidation discussions to the North Shore communities.
chance
10:32 pm on Tuesday, April 12, 2011
If combining police and fire services provide a more cost effective and efficient service, it should at least be researched. A majority of the fire personnel throughout Milwaukee County are in support of a merger/consolidation. I know this is a big step; however, in these fiscally challenging times everyone needs to be a forecaster and do what's right for everyone. If Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami-Dade, and Indianapolis can consolidate, why can't Milwaukee County follow suit? I feel that the self-centered, greedy, laggart politicians and administrators need to put their egos aside; By doing just that, it will allow Milwaukee County to move FORWARD! Afterall, isn't this about providing the best service to the citizens in a cost effective, efficient manner? Forget about loss of identity, how much money is a community willing to sacrifice for their leaders being selfish about power, control, and identity. If no one wants to consolidate, then maybe the economy isn't effecting their budgets.
Bruce Barry
8:53 pm on Friday, April 15, 2011
Where does the President of Greendale stand on this? Yes or No Hemes (Mercury)? Are you a union hack or do you mirror the Village that is 65% plus Republican? We thinks you are a lefty Democrat The Greendale Tea Party has you in the lined up as our new project.
Why do the Village Board members follow him? Are they sheep or are they Republicans?
If J Birmingham support Hermes, don't stop in and get a cup of coffee. Brew your own and say enough. Boycott Southridge and boycott the coffee shop till JB says, I don't support our village president.
This is the man that is bringing us WalMart!