We have read and heard much about consolidation in the news lately.  "Consolidation"seems to be the trendy buzz word throughout Washoe County.  Consolidate services and we will save money according to many self-proclaimed local experts.  Let's consolidate! They exclaim - seemingly for the sake of consolidation.  It is ironic to me that during an economic downtown, the talk of consolidation comes to the forefront.  Time and again, not a single individual, elected or non-elected, has been able to identify a cost saving or even the efficiency of consolidating major services provided by local governments.

 

The May 16 edition of the Reno Gazette-Journal had two editorials supporting consolidation.  The Executive Director of the SAGE Commission penned a thoughtful piece but never identified a specific cost savings from consolidation, other than a few theoretical items which only look good on paper.  The RGJ editorial board suggested merging fire services in Washoe County, possibly Sparks too.  The editorial states, "It's clear it would save money."   How?  The editorial also stated accurately that the Sparks Firefighter's Association President supports consolidation.  Why wouldn't the association support it?  They would stand to gain higher salaries.

 

We support any attempt to share services or consolidate certain public services if there is a cost saving to our residents and does not change the form of our government. Sparks is not interested in delegating decisions on the quality of city services to others.  Consolidating the larger public functions we provide simply amounts to higher cost, more bureaucracy, and less responsiveness.  Sparks wants to remain cost effective and provide the services desired by Sparks, not by others.

 

Our local governments have studied this subject for more than a decade.  The fact remains - government consolidation results in more failed attempts than successful efforts. 

 

We have concluded that no cost savings can be passed on to our residents by consolidating with another government.  The notion that bigger government is more efficient is wrong.  Just look at the federal government or the state government.  The City of Sparks is in a position, being closest to its citizens, to be the most efficient because we are the most accountable.  We support efficiencies and shared services where possible to save our residents hard-earned tax dollars, but our strength is our ability to have 100 percent oversight of city funds spent on services. 

 

Sparks is committed to maintaining a full-service city and providing the necessary public services such a public works, parks and recreation programs, municipal and legal functions, and public safety which include police and fire fighting services.   We will always consider merging or sharing services where there is a clear cost saving to our residents and no change in service levels. It is what our citizens expect.

 

Rest assured the residents of Sparks and the Truckee Meadows will begin to hear the true facts on the consolidation of city and county services in the days to come.