We Need to Test "Metro" Government Assumptions

Newly elected councilperson-at-large, Steve Williams (photo), has put forth the idea of formal discussions regarding the concept of “metro government”. During the mid-to-late 1970's, I lived in Augusta, GA. I was the CEO of the city's coliseum/sports arena/exhibition hall. The governments of Richmond County, Georgia and the city government of Augusta, Georgia merged into the Augusta-Richmond County Consolidated Government in 1995 with 66.7% of the citizens voting yes. Three previous attempts failed (in 1971 with 41.5% voting yes; in 1974 with 48.5% voting yes; and in 1976 with 45.5% voting yes). It took twenty-four years to get it done. A new generation had to make it happen.

Why is it so very difficult to get people to accept change? Now, their citizens are prospering and they are pleased with the cost savings and the improved delivery of public services. The police, fire and medical services for the consolidated government are well respected and admired and the infrastructure is modern and well maintained.

Ditto for the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia (Muscogee County). I was the CEO of the Ironworks Convention and Trade Center from 1985 to 1988. The City of Columbus, GA and Muscogee County (GA) governments consolidated much earlier than August-Richmond County (1970), with 80.7% of citizens voting for approval. Consolidation had failed in 1962 with only 42.1% in favor. The City of Columbus and the Government of Muscogee County consolidated their governments and, because of that decision on the part of the voters, the area has prospered dramatically.

What had to happen before the citizens had an opportunity to vote on the creation of a “metro government? First, newly elected and progressive thinking officeholders had to dare to look into the future to consider the seriousness of the ever-increasing cost of delivering goods and services to citizens. They agreed that it was imperative that they put aside personal and political interests and relinquish their long-held city and county government’s turf. That must happen with the City of Huntington and Cabell County governments.

Why is our state always fifty-years behind in taking action for needed change? Will the people of Cabell County ever vote in favor of consolidation? Unless a study is completed that determines the viability of “metro government”, we will never know the answer.

Future generations of our area will praise us for having the courage and foresight to have considered a better governmental structure for our citizens! Layered-government is too expensive - one government is less costly, more efficient and more capable of delivering quality public services. We need to test that assumption through formal discussions and research. Councilperson Williams’ idea of forming a joint city/county “consolidation of government investigative task force” has great merit. If not now, when?