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2013

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Consultant bullish on Carson’s consolidation with Ormsby Co. (Carson City) Nevada Appeal

 

Article was originally posted to the (Carson City) Nevada Appeal Web site http://www.nevadaappeal.com/news/opinion/7263758-113/carson-schmidt-board-consolidation

John Barrette: Consultant bullish on Carson’s consolidation with Ormsby Co.

It was on April Fool’s Day more than four decades ago, in 1969, that Ormsby County disappeared and a consolidated Carson City government took the helm here.

Nobody was foolin’ around, and we live with the results to this day.

Not exactly news. But what if you could get a look through fresh eyes, so to speak? Well, here are some views from Luke Schmidt of L.B. Schmidt & Associates, a consultant first mentioned a week ago in this space as having visited Carson City to study the historic change.

Schmidt likes consolidation generally and Carson City’s in particular. However, he still studies carefully each place where he checks it for unconsolidated government units considering the change. He scours history and the results objectively for pluses and minuses, checking currently for clients in his home state of Kentucky.

One thing that stuck out for him after his trip was his time with former Mayor Jim Robertson, elected to lead the city in 1963. Schmidt said Robertson, as well as others, told him the outcome of consolidation was everything they’d expected. Schmidt also asked Robertson if there was anything that could or should have been done differently.

“‘At the time,’ Schmidt quoted Robertson as saying, ‘we thought it was the right way to go, and that’s the way I would look at it now.’”

Another thing that stood out for Schmidt was the number of members on the governing board in Carson City. He referred to the five-member Board of Supervisors as a council.

“It’s a relatively small council, in comparison to some others,” he said, giving as an example Athens in Georgia. He said Athens has more than 10 seats on its consolidated governing board. But, he added, Athens has a population of 115,000, and the board doesn’t oversee the considerable open-space area that Carson City’s does.

“You could probably argue that a couple of bears don’t need a council member,” joked the consultant from suburban Louisville.

By the way, though the merger plan in the 1960s garnered widespread support — it was initially approved statewide with a vote of 73,913 to 42,541 on Nov. 5, 1968 — there was opposition.

Former Carson City Mayor Al Autrand, who served in 1961-63, was reported by the Nevada Appeal in the 1960s to have attacked the plan and the many public officials supporting it for “trying to push this thing down people’s throats.”

Because they succeeded, you can watch the five-member governing board in action Thursday beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Sierra Room at the city’s Community Center. Among items up for discussion is a proposal to begin a waste, fraud and abuse government whistle-blower hotline program.

John Barrette covers Carson City government and business. He can be reached at jbarrette@nevadaappeal.com.

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Study for new unified government is underway (Somerset) Commonwealth Journal

Article originally posted to Commonwealth Journal Web site http://somerset-kentucky.com/local/x1374700982/Study-for-unified-government-is-now-underway

By CHRIS HARRIS, CJ Staff Writer The Commonwealth Journal       Fri May 24, 2013, 06:38 PM EDT

Somerset —

The next step toward a potential merged city-county government is now in progress, as work has begun on the key feasibility study that will determine whether or not citizens could benefit from such a development.
The organization responsible for the move to look at a unified government, Somerset-Pulaski County United (SPCU), announced Friday that efforts to conduct the study have started and are ongoing.
“We’re glad to get this study underway as we believe that we will learn a lot about how our local government jurisdictions function today,” said Brook Ping, SPCU chairman. “At the same time, we want to learn more about unified government – how it operates – and see if there are any benefits to introducing this concept to Pulaski County.”
The study is being funded by a grant from Pulaski County Fiscal Court and by the members of SPCU. It’s expected to take about four months to complete.
In April, SPCU introduced its plan to conduct a study that would attempt to measure the possible benefits of combing Pulaski County Government with the individual city governments: Somerset, Burnside, or any such municipality that would opt in.
If the study turned up positive results, the county’s citizens would have the chance to vote on whether or not to go through with the unified government proposal.
Under the plan, Pulaski Fiscal Court would appoint half the members of a Unified Government Commission, and the remaining members would be appointed by participating cities prorated on population.
Under state law, a unified government would not affect school districts, existing taxing districts in the county, or local option areas. It would not alter boundaries of precincts and legislative districts. Unified government, if approved by voters, would vacate current political positions and establish a new governing structure.
A new Somerset-Pulaski County unified government would create Kentucky’s third largest city with a population of 63,700. It would be the first unified government of its kind in Kentucky. Metro governments in Louisville and Lexington were created under different statutes, although in principle the way they operate would be similar to a merged government here.
“The members of SPCU want to make it very clear: we are not endorsing unified government at this time,” said Ping. “We need to learn more about it first so that we will feel comfortable in the end with whatever recommendations that we might bring to the community.”
The plan met with different reactions from some of the key figures involved. When SPCU approached the Somerset City Council to ask for assistance funding the study — expected to cost about $35,000 — they were rebuffed by Mayor Eddie Girdler.
The Pulaski County Fiscal Court, however — headed up by Judge-Executive Barty Bullock — agreed to chip in the requested $11,667 during a late April meeting and proved more receptive to SPCU’s message.
“This study will provide invaluable information and data to the entire community,” said Bullock. “We want to learn more about this to see if unified government makes sense for the community.”
 The study will include detailed interviews with elected officials and key staff in each of the county’s incorporated cities, along with those in county government.
“This study will not merge local governments.  The study is merely one of many steps that the community may elect to take towards unified government,” said Luke Schmidt, consultant to SPCU from the firm L.B. Schmidt & Associates, LLC. “In the end, only the voters can decide if the local government jurisdictions should merge, and they will do so only if a formal plan (charter) of unified government is developed by an officially sanctioned Unified Government Commission and presents its plan to the voters.
“The study simply provides all parties with the information that will be needed to make informed decisions,” he added.
SPCU’s members represent all segments of the community: agriculture, business and industry, education, elected officials, health care, industry, law enforcement and public safety, professionals, religion and transportation.
Schmidt will be contacting local officials soon in order to start the examination of the local government jurisdictions, according to a statement released Friday by SPCU.
“We look forward to sharing all of the findings with the community as soon as the study has been completed,” said Ping.

– See more at: http://somerset-kentucky.com/local/x1374700982/Study-for-unified-government-is-now-underway#sthash.v3tlne6a.dpuf

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Somerset group announces study of potential unified government WKYT-TV (Lexington)

Article was originally posted to the WKYT-TV (Lexington) Web site http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Somerset-group-announces-study-of-potential-unified-government-201456651.html

SOMERSET, Ky. (WKYT) – Somerset would become Kentucky’s third-largest city, if it and Pulaski County merged their governments.

Today a group in Somerset announced a study to see if a “unified” government should be explored.

The group Somerset-Pulaski County United held a news conference announcing a study to cost about $35,000 to simply examine the idea of a unified government.

The group is made up of dozens of people from all walks of life, government, and community. They say they simply want to study the idea of a merged government, but those behind the movement say if the unified government did happen, the benefits to the average citizen would be great.

The Somerset-Pulaski County United group says they will pay for a third of the cost. The Somerset City Council and Pulaski Fiscal Court will be asked to each pay a third of the cost.

Officials say the study will explore similar unified governments in Athens and Clarke County, GA., as well as communities in Nevada and Louisiana.

 

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Calling for a Unified Pulaski (Somerset) Commonwealth-Journal

 

Article was originally posted to the (Somerset) Commonwealth-Journal Web site http://somerset-kentucky.com/newslive/x2015918125/Calling-for-a-Unified-Pulaski/print.

BY BILL MARDIS, Editor Emeritus and KEN SHMIDHEISER, Managing Editor
Commonwealth Journal

Somerset —

A group of about 60 community leaders, clustered as Somerset-Pulaski County United (SPCU), is embarking on a study to determine if a consolidated or united government in Pulaski County would be more efficient and more responsive to the county’s 63,000 residents.
“This is a study, nothing more,” said SPCU chair and local developer Brook Ping. He stressed that simply conducting the study does not mean any local governments are unifying. Under Kentucky law only voters can determine whether local governments consolidate. And that will only occur after a formal plan is developed by an official Unified Government Commission whose members would be appointed by participating city councils and Pulaski Fiscal Court.
The unified government proposal was unveiled during a press conference held yesterday morning at The Center for Rural Development.
Briefly, the plan as explained by consultant L.B. Schmidt, president of Louisville-based L.B. Schmidt & Associates, SPCU would complete a study in about four months and present its findings to local governmental bodies.
Then, Pulaski Fiscal Court, Somerset City Council and governing bodies of Burnside, Ferguson and Science Hill by ordinance would create an official Unified Government Commission made up of between 20 and 40 members to plan a structure for a unified city-county government.
Pulaski Fiscal Court would appoint half the members of a Unified Government Commission, and the remaining members would be appointed by participating cities prorated on population.
Eubank, because its boundary extends into Lincoln County, would be prohibited by state law from participating in a unified government. Schmidt said he hopes some kind of agreement could be worked out so Eubank could feel a part of a united county government.
Any city can opt out of being a part of a unified government. “That means they won’t have a seat at the table,” observed Schmidt.
Under state law, a unified government would not affect school districts, existing taxing districts in the county, or local option areas. It would not alter boundaries of precincts and legislative districts. Unified government, if approved by voters, would vacate current political positions and establish a new governing structure.
A new Somerset-Pulaski County unified government would create Kentucky’s third largest city with a population of 63,700. It would be the first unified government of its kind in Kentucky. Metro governments in Louisville and Lexington were created under different statutes, although in principle the way they operate would be similar to a merged government here, according to Schmidt.
SPCU members believe that a government here passing the 50,000 population threshold would get “looks” from businesses and industries interested in locating in larger communities. They believe it would enhance the community’s economic development efforts and assist in creating new jobs.
“A unified government would greatly increase the county’s bonding capacity,” Schmidt said, noting that the City of Somerset is approaching its bonding limits.
Somerset, with its current population of 11,296, is the 33rd largest city in Kentucky. Unified, with a population of more than 63,000, Somerset, now a third-class city, would be the third largest city in the state, qualifying for 2nd-class status.
Ping pointed out that unification, if approved by voters, is a slow-moving procedure. He estimated it would take at least four years.
“Speaking with one voice will make it easier to provide for the community’s needs,” assured State Senator Chris Girdler, who spoke in favor of the study.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us to stop and do three things: (1) Examine how our current local government jurisdictions work by identifying strengths and weaknesses; (2) find out how unified governments have worked in other communities around the country; and (3) consider whether unified government might work for us.”
“I look forward to joining my fellow citizens in this process during the next few months as the study takes shape and I encourage everyone to keep an open mind,” said Girdler, who serves as deputy district director for Congressman Hal Rogers.
SPCU spokespersons said recent publicized disagreements between Somerset and Pulaski County had little or nothing to do with formation of the study group.
The first key to success of the planned study is funding. Ping said SPCU plans to raise a third of the necessary $35,000. Somerset City Council and Pulaski Fiscal Court will each be asked to contribute a third of the money next during their regular meetings next Monday and Tuesday, respectively, Schmidt said.
The recently formed SPCU is unique in its scope. Said one observer: “I’ve never seen such a diverse organization in Pulaski County.”
SPCU’s members represent all segments of the community. It includes agriculture, business and industry, education, elected officials, health care, law enforcement and public safety, professionals, religion and transportation.

 

 

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Proposed merger of Somerset, Pulaski would produce state’s third largest city Lexington Herald-Leader

Article was originally posted to Lexington Herald-Leader Web site http://www.kentucky.com/2013/04/04/2586569/merger-of-somerset-and-pulaski.html

By Greg Kocher — gkocher1@herald-leader.com
SOMERSET — With fewer than 12,000 residents, Somerset ranks 33rd in population in Kentucky. But if the city plus three others — Ferguson, Science Hill and Burnside — consolidates with Pulaski County into one government representing more than 63,000 residents, it would rank as the third-largest in the state, behind only Louisville and Lexington.
On Thursday, a newly formed group announced that it will seek funding for a study to look at the pros and cons of merging Pulaski County and the four municipal governments.
Somerset-Pulaski County United, a group of 56 residents representing a cross-section of the community, said they will approach Pulaski Fiscal Court and Somerset City Council next week to seek help in financing the study.
How far this effort will go is unknown, and members of the steering group acknowledged that efforts to consolidate governments elsewhere in Kentucky were defeated at the ballot box.
Nevertheless, state Sen. Chris Girdler, R-Somerset, said “the time is now” to study the issue of consolidated government.
“I believe some form of unified government can make this community stronger and a better place to live,” Girdler said. “However, it is imperative that we have more information so that we can make an informed decision.
“We live in a global marketplace, and we want to do everything we can to give Pulaski County a competitive advantage,” Girdler said.
A merged community of more than 63,000 people might attract more attention from businesses and industries and could bring more jobs to the area, Girdler said.
It also would give the community one voice and make it easier to seek grants and appropriations in Frankfort and Washington, D.C.
Moving from “micropolitan” to “metropolitan” status would enhance the community’s job-creation efforts and would create new opportunities for state and federal grants to help the community as a whole.
Some researchers have questioned whether a merger delivers significant savings. Studies of Jacksonville, Fla.’s consolidation with Duval County and of Miami’s merger with Dade County found that costs actually rose post-consolidation “as new bureaucracies emerged,” the Wall Street Journal reported in 2011. The paper also cited a 2004 study by Indiana University’s Center for Urban Policy and the Environment that found that costs creep back in and offset the savings of job cuts.
Material given to reporters Thursday by Somerset-Pulaski County United acknowledged that “while unified government may not save money, it will spend money more efficiently and help to hold down the rising cost of providing government services.
“Somerset-Pulaski County United is raising private contributions for one-third of the study’s $35,000 cost, said Brook Ping, a local developer and chairman of the group. The city and the county will be asked to contribute $11,600 each.
The cities of Burnside, Ferguson and Science Hill have been informed about the effort and could theoretically merge with Somerset and Pulaski County. The city of Eubank probably won’t be allowed to merge because it straddles the Pulaski-Lincoln line. Although a city can cross county lines, a merged government cannot under state law.
Ping emphasized that conducting a study does not mean that any local governments are consolidating. Under Kentucky law, only voters can determine whether local governments should merge.
Lexington and Louisville are the only merged city-county governments in Kentucky. Lexington voters approved merger in 1972; Louisville voters, in 2000. But voters rejected merger proposals in Franklin and Scott counties in 1988, in Daviess and Warren counties in 1990, in Taylor County in 2002, in Franklin County again in 2004, and in McCracken County in 2012.
The SPCU has a proposal from L.B. Schmidt & Associates LLC, a Louisville consulting firm, to conduct the study, which would compare existing forms of government to a unified government. The study would look at other cities across the country that have consolidated, including Lexington and Louisville.
The study would take about four months. The Schmidt firm would then present its findings to the community and make a recommendation on whether to pursue a unified government.
If the community decides to pursue a merger, the mayor and county judge-executive would jointly determine the size of a unified government commission, which would have 20 to 40 members.
That commission would develop a legal plan of unified government within two years of the commission’s appointment. If a majority of the members were unable to agree on a plan for unification within two years, the commission would dissolve.
If, on the other hand, the commission came up with a plan, it would hold public hearings to address questions from residents.
After its final public hearing, the commission would vote on the proposed plan and then submit it to voters. If the unification plan were rejected by voters, another vote could not be held for five years.
Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler and Pulaski County Judge-Executive Barty Bullock were out of town Thursday could not be immediately reached for comment.
Greg Kocher: (859) 231-3305 Twitter: @HLpublicsafety.

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E’town MSA finishes 11th in GDP growth The (Elizabethtown) News-Enterprise

 

Article was originally posted to The (Elizabethtown) News-Enterprise Web site http://www.thenewsenterprise.com/content/etown-msa-finishes-11th-gdp-growth
By Marty Finley
Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 2:05 am (Updated: February 24, 5:44 am)

The Elizabethtown MSA is no longer the alpha dog when it comes to real gross domestic product growth.

Of 366 MSAs nationally, the Elizabethtown MSA finished 11th nationally in real gross domestic product growth in 2011, recording a 6.1 percent increase from 2010, according to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis late last week. Odessa, Texas, finished first with a growth rate of 15.16 percent followed by nearby Midland, Texas, at 9.50 percent.

The Elizabethtown MSA rate ranks first among the eight other Kentucky MSAs, and local officials said it reflects consistent growth in GDP. Hardin County United in a news release noted the figures reflect a roughly 30 percent jump in overall GDP growth since 2008. Luke Schmidt, a consultant with HCU, said the MSA also is outperforming peer military markets in GDP growth, such as Hinesville-Fort Stewart, Ga., and Manhattan-Fort Riley, Kan.

“The area is doing well,” Schmidt said.

Real GDP measures an area’s gross product based on the national prices for goods and services produced in an MSA, according to the BEA. The rate is adjusted for inflation.

In real money, the MSA ranked 259th nationally in GDP at $5.6 billion, according to the report.

HCU in its release argued the rankings help attract companies wanting to expand into progressive and flourishing communities, opening up more job opportunities.

“And it’s sustained growth,” Schmidt said. “It’s not a flash in the pan.”

Elizabethtown was ranked first in GDP growth in 2010 with a 14.4 percent growth rate, but revised rankings for 2010 on the bureau’s website listed a growth rate of 16.62 percent during that year, dropping Elizabethtown to fifth.

Schmidt reviewed the documents but said the changes for 2010 were made quietly. The BEA, he said, has not issued follow-up statements explaining the reasons behind the revision.

Hardin Judge-Executive Harry Berry said the MSA has consistently finished strong in GDP growth and the 11th place ranking for 2011 reflects well on the area’s ability to maintain its success.

Berry said the rankings are impressive considering the Elizabethtown MSA is significantly smaller than the major metropolitan areas touting much larger GDP totals, referencing the Dallas and San Francisco MSAs.

Real GDP increased in 242 of the 366 MSAs during 2011 — growth sparked by professional and business services, durable-goods manufacturing and trade, according to the report.

Berry said Hardin County has benefited from expansions in manufacturing and industry with companies restoring their workforces to pre-recession levels.

“People like to be with a winner,” he said.

The Elizabethtown MSA also finished in the top five in personal and per-capita income growth in 2011.

“With continuing high rankings in personal income growth, per-capita income growth and GDP growth, our region will continue to receive ‘looks’ from companies that are interested in expanding to a dynamic and growing market,” Berry said.

Marty Finley can be reached at (270) 505-1762 or mfinley@thenewsenterprise.com.