ABSTRACT

Municipal Shared Services and Consolidation provides a comprehensive and clear review of the theories and practices of structuring and managing complex local government services. Intended for both students and practitioners, this volume in the Public Solutions Handbook Series addresses concepts and processes of shaping collaborative arrangements in public service with goals of effectiveness and efficiency in mind. The Handbook begins with a review of theories of shared services and consolidation, highlighting conceptual foundations, practical barriers, and cultural considerations related to these efforts. Specific, practical advice follows, highlighting the processes of creating, implementing, and managing shared services and consolidation agreements. Municipal Shared Services and Consolidation is exceptionally well written and is amplified by examples, cases, illustrations, and a comprehensive bibliography.

part I|56 pages

Introduction and Theoretical Considerations

chapter 1|14 pages

Municipal Size, Resources, and Efficiency

Theoretical Bases for Shared Services and Consolidation

chapter 2|19 pages

The Costs of Services Cooperation

A Review of the Literature

part II|120 pages

Municipal Shared Services and Consolidation in Practice

chapter 7|18 pages

Do Shared Services Achieve Results?

The Performance of Interlocal Agreements

chapter 8|20 pages

Toward Interlocal Collaboration

Lessons from a Failed Attempt to Create a Fire Authority

chapter 10|16 pages

Alternative Service Delivery Arrangements

Creativity and Innovation in Local Government