With local governments across the region facing extreme budget shortfalls it will be interesting to see how many communities follow the “merger” lead set by Akron and Summit County.
As this story in the Akron Beacon Journal reports, Akron City Council reluctantly approved the merger of the city and count building department this week. While budget concerns weren’t the only driving force behind the merger, the efficiency of operating only one building department will save taxpayer money. The Cost of Government Research done earlier this year highlighted that there are many more opportunities for government mergers and collaborations across Northeast Ohio.
How many governments will use the current economic crisis to dramatically change the way they do business?