How can consolidation help local governments in Pennsylvania?
A discussion has been underway for just over a year among Western Pennsylvania leaders about whether to consolidate the governments of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. By bringing together areas with many small governments under one central administration, consolidation allows for the sharing of resources to lower costs and perform essential functions more efficiently. In fact, it is a measure that some local leaders are considering to save money in these strapped economic times. Proponents say it saves the governments money and attracts business to the area by creating a more attractive, streamlined vision for the region. Opponents worry about losing the personal attention of their service departments, such as the local police. They are also concerned about passing large city debts onto taxpayers who don’t live currently in the city limits. How can consolidation help municipalities in Pennsylvania? Can shared and consolidated governments help regions grow and become more efficient, or
