Citizens Connect to explore efficiency in shared government services

The next Citizens Connect will focus on shared government services this Thursday from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Meier's Wine Cellars, 6955 Plainfield Road in Silverton.

Silverton has become a local model for regional cooperation, creating a joint fire district with the City of Deer Park, contracting building inspection services with Hamilton County, and joining the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) to provide income tax collection services.

Silverton city manager Mark Wendling will highlight his city's commitment to government efficiency, and small breakout sessions will allow participants to discuss how their local governments can learn from Silverton's example.

The sharing of services and intergovernmental cooperation is nothing new to the Cincinnati region.

A 2005 survey of 17 Hamilton County communities by Citizens for Civic Renewal showed that 14 of those communities were sharing the costs of services in some form, mainly in the insurance, public safety, and administrative sectors.

Nine of those communities identified further opportunities to share costs with their neighbors.

Registration for the event is $10 today or $15 at the door and can be made here, or by contacting CCR executive director Steve Johns at (513) 458-6736 or [email protected].

Two more Citizens Connect events, focusing on education and on green communities, will be held later this year.

Writer: Kevin LeMaster
Source: Citizens for Civic Renewal