Indiana

Where?s the Beef?

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Here it is!

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.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on January 26, 2009 (boomark / email).