League of Women Voters
of Salina, Kansas

Let's keep talking Potential consolidation problems can be worked out; don't let them halt discussion

Tom Bell, Editor & Publisher

Salina's League of Women Voters surveyed city and county employees last month to determine attitudes about potential consolidation of city and county governments. The survey is not statistically valid because it involves a voluntary response instead of a random study. Nonetheless, it is valuable for other reasons.

This survey keeps consolidation in the public spotlight. The League sponsored public forums to announce the survey's results and brought in others for a panel discussion.

Besides keeping this ball in the air, the survey also points out general sentiments among city and county employees. Those concerns deserve attention.

County employees responding to this survey came out strongly against consolidation, saying it would have a negative affect on their jobs. One respondent wrote that job losses from consolidation would be traumatic for employees and families. Another warned that rural residents would suffer from reduced law enforcement and protection. Most city employees that responded were more positive about consolidation.

The concerns voiced by county employees are understandable. But these can be addressed easily as consolidation moves forward.

The goal of consolidation should not be eliminating jobs. It should be making government more efficient for every resident of Saline County, including those living within the Salina city limits. They are county residents also.

Consolidation should streamline government processes, reduce overlapping services, promote economic development and, in general, give people fewer hoops to jump through when dealing with the city and county.

In any case, if there is job loss, then it can be managed by not replacing employees who leave or retire. No one has to lose a job. Protections can be put in writing as part of the consolidation process.

The same goes for rural fire and police protection. Agreements could mandate no reduction in rural services. In fact, consolidation likely will improve protection because it will eliminate conflicts between jurisdictions. Readers might recall an April 2001 house fire where confusion over city limits meant delays for firefighters and additional fire damage for the homeowner.

Consolidation can be whatever county residents want it to be. The important thing is to keep exploring the possibilities.