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Madison Twp. ponders consolidation studies
(by Linda Dillman, staff writer - January 14, 2010)
Madison Township officials are considering a proposed consolidation study that is drawing concern from law enforcement and fire department union representatives.
At a work session Jan. 13, township officials discussed three submitted proposals for the study at costs ranging from $12,000 to $24,000. The process includes gathering data assessing current services, overlaps, policies, options with surrounding governments, and options for cost reduction and service enhancement.
"These types of studies are going on all over the state," said Madison Township Administrator Larry Flowers. "I personally believe there is a lot of duplication and overlap in communities. We have been very transparent with what we have been doing. There's an opportunity to have less chiefs and more Indians."
Madison Township Fire Department union representative Rashid Taylor said firefighters already consolidate the process by mutual aid with other departments through manpower and equipment.
"We are already in the process of consolidating services," said Taylor. "What you have left is contracting for services. What are we paying $12,000 to $24,000 for? We have enough smart people who can come together in the township to save money."
Madison Township trustee Susan Brobst said she does not view the study solely as research for consolidation or contracting for services.
"I see the study as giving us some insight," said Brobst. "I would hope some positive things come out of that. The police side hinges on what happens with the levy. To me it's all safety services. I want more input on our existing operations and what we can do to tweak that."
Madison Township Police Department union representative Tim Johnson feels the township was insulting its own intelligence by looking outside for cost-cutting measures and asked why the research could not be first done internally.
While acknowledging a need for the study, Madison Township Trustee Victor Paini said he doesn't want the township to get so distracted with other issues that they do not have enough time to devote to passage of the police levy.
"The police levy could be a turning point for this township," stated Paini. "I'm not opposed to a consultant coming in and giving us a fresh set of eyes. I just don't want to take the eye off of the police levy."
Fiscal Officer Barb Adams emphasized the proposal is not a personal attack on any individual or department, but a potential way to address budget shortfalls in the future.
"I'm concerned about the future years," said Adams. "The (state) money is just not going to be there. As fiscal officer I have to say we've looked into everything possible. I've been at this for 20 years and I don't think the money is going to be there."
Brobst suggested the township might want to slow down the process of accepting one of the three proposed contracts and conduct further discussions. She also noted funding for the study would come out of the general fund.
"Functionally, we're like one big county fire department, but administratively we're not," added Flowers. I'm very worried about what the next few years will look like."
| Comments (1) |
On January 14, 2010 Susan said:
Linda - great job on both articles. I think you gave a clear cut definition in both directions of what we talked about. Thank You! |
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