Where’s the Beef?
I told you people this was coming. A Ball State University study shows more than $600 million in savings and efficiencies in government reform and consolidation.
The Center for Business and Economic Research found that streamlining government as outlined in K-S (my new shorthand for Kernan-Shepard) would not only improve fire, police, sewer and other services, but also reduce operative and administrative costs.
The study found that consolidation would cut annual costs for various services, including:
- Fire services costs would be reduced statewide by $74.3 million, a savings of $12.07 per person.
- Police protection expenses would be cut by $85.3 million, a savings of $13.85 a resident.
- Sewerage savings would be $111.5 million, or about $18.11 per person.
- Administrative expenses in counties with a population of more than 100,000 would be cut by $52.3 million, a savings of $8.48 per resident.
- Libraries would see a savings of $62.7 million, or about $10.16 per person.
The report also offers incentives for local governments to reform, but I say the best incentives are property tax caps.
Now correct me if I’m wrong, but who was complaining about reform and consolidation again?
Just checking.
Editor’s Note: You can read the actual report here.
