Local government studies merits of e pluribus unum

In recent weeks, independent discussions in two counties have shown an increasing tendency of elected officials to see the wisdom -- indeed, the necessity -- of seeking to consolidate basic government services.
Ohio is a captive of history, a history that broke the state up into thousands of different geographic and political subdivisions that provide police and fire services, road construction and maintenance and -- one of the largest expenses -- education.
Two hundred years of history is not going to be undone in a matter of months or even years. More likely, it will take decades for Ohioans to realize that counties in other states get along perfectly well with a handful of overseers providing the services that involve dozens of councils and boards in Mahoning or Trumbull counties.
And in some matters, voters will choose higher costs and inefficiency rather than give up that which the electorate holds dear: "local control."
That said, some officials recognize that money-saving consolidations of varying degrees are possible down the road, but that the first step must be taken now, and that step is to begin talking.
Mahoning meeting held
In Mahoning County, a meeting was held this week of officials representing the communities and fire departments of Poland village and township, Springfield and Coitsville townships and New Middletown.
Those five departments serve about 26,400 residents in eastern Mahoning County and have budgets totaling $1.5 million. Obviously, when there are five departments protecting fewer citizens than live in a single medium-sized town there are going to be duplication of equipment, facilities, service and training.
The challenge is to identify those duplications and work to eliminate them in ways that preserve safety and service and reduce costs.
Everyone involved seems to recognize that these talks are only a beginning and that any true consolidation of the departments would be years away.
Trumbull meeting called
In Trumbull County, Howland Township trustees have sent letters to trustees in Champion, Warren, Bazetta, Vienna and Fowler townships inviting them to a May 16 meeting to find out if there is interest in regionalizing fire and ambulance services.
Darlene St. George, Howland's administrator, described the meeting as a "starting point." And one candid fire chief, Matthew Balut, the acting chief in Champion, acknowledged that while there are financial benefits to consolidation, & quot;everybody wants their own little kingdom. & quot;
True enough. But equally true: running a kingdom is an expensive proposition.