DEPARTMENT MERGER VOTED DOWN
Monday, January 21st, 2008 -- 11:03 AM
Two Clark County departments won't be merging anytime soon, although inefficiencies may need further examination.The Clark County Executive Committee decided not to pursue a merger of the Forestry and Parks and Highway Departments at a meeting Friday.
County Board Chairman Wayne Hendrickson first floated the idea in December, saying some employees performed similar duties and used similar equipment and a merged department would prevent duplication and may reduce administrative costs.
While Highway Commissioner Randy Anderson and Forestry and Park Director Mark Heil both were skeptical the merger would serve its purpose, there was agreement departments could do a better job of working together.
A glaring example, Forestry and Parks buys gravel for the County Forest road system from private companies because the product is more expensive to buy through the Highway Department.
"Because of the way we bill our Clark County system, it's cheaper for Mark (Heil) to go out and hire privates than it is to hire us," Anderson explained. "Because of our wages, our benefits, our truck schedules."
Hendrickson noted the topic needed to be explored with the county facing a major budget crunch in '09 when wage increases alone will surpass the allowed levy increase.
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