Share and merge government services

Governing with less

Cash-strapped cities and counties should consider merging services

Published: Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Friday, August 14, 2009 at 4:14 p.m.

Local governments across Florida are facing some of the most challenging times in memory as they prepare budgets for the 2010 fiscal year.

Tax revenues have declined as property values have plummeted in the wake of the housing bust, and those revenues are expected to continue to fall in the near future.

The dismal prospects call for fresh consideration of how to provide the government services that the public demands in the most cost-efficient way possible. That way may be through expanded cooperation among county and city governments.

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But more cooperation and combination of efforts should also be explored by city and county governments. Ultimately, citizens must decide on the level of government services they need and, perhaps, on which government should provide those services.