Frederick County Gov't Renames Private-Public Partnership Committee - Worksession Tomorrow

George Wenschhof

One may recall prior to the recent demonstrated public outrage in regard to the Oliver Porter privatization report, the Frederick County, Maryland board of county commissioners had established a public-private partnership committee. The press release dated February 17, 2011 stated, in part, "that the committee will examine and recommend to the board what functions, tasks and services in county government may be considered and appropriate for transitioning to the private sector".

The committee was established for a two year period and the members consist of various county government department directors.

After the public outcry in regard to the questionable study prepared by PPP Associates LLC, including an less than flattering analysis of the report by the University of Maryland School of Public Policy Dean Donald Kettl, the board of county commissioners withdrew the Oliver Porter report from consideration.

A wise move from board president Blaine Young, who said at the time, the board however, would continue to look at options to reduce government spending.

Tomorrow, August 4, the board of commissioners at a worksession , the newly named Partnership and Efficiency Committee will present a suggested time line for implementation of a Request For Proposals (RFP) by January 12, 2012.

The first sixty days, the committee would review employee and public input from the just concluded public meetings on the Oliver Porter report. During this time period they would also evaluate director's suggestions and recommendations. The meeting dates to be determined and open to the public.

Also, to be considered is the addition of new members to the committee.

I would suggest the board of commissioners also carefully review the recommendations made by the League of Women Voters of Frederick County in their press conference on July 18, 2011.

Undertaking a citizen survey to identify the services/programs that are deemed essential as well as those they like to have eliminated, reduced or provided differently is a good suggestion by the League of Women Voters and should be done.

As there is also disagreement on whether a structural deficit exists in Frederick County government, I would strongly suggest ending the use of the term to justify actions which may be taken in regard to the provision of services.

Rather, the concentration should be on ways in which to help government be less costly and more efficient while continuing to provide the quality of service Frederick County residents expect and deserve.

To this end, speed is not the issue. Taking the time to fully evaluate all options, and receive input from the public is essential if lasting success is to be accomplished by the work of this committee.

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