Cronin: Let's look at scaling back government

DuPage County officials say they hope a push to gather information about area governmental agencies is the first step toward consolidation.

DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin on Wednesday asked representatives from two dozen independent boards and commissions that he appoints to help develop plans to offer services while saving taxpayers money.

“I really feel that DuPage County has a strong tradition of good government,” Cronin said. “And I think it's time that we demonstrate that once again.

“During these uncertain economic times, it's imperative that we scale back government in a way that will allow us to continue to provide essential services but in a more productive manner.”

With 372 taxing bodies in DuPage, county board member Paul Fichtner said that effort should include eliminating some governmental entities through consolidation.

“Ideally, everybody will consider how to get rid of their job,” said Fichtner, referring to a list of boards and commissions that includes fire protection districts, sanitary districts and mosquito abatement districts.

“The taxpayers want to see this,” Fichtner said. “Chairman Cronin is bringing up a road map to see how feasible that is.”

Before any discussion about consolidation can begin, Cronin first wants information. He is giving the agencies until Sept. 30 to submit copies of their budgets, ethics policies, personnel policies, bylaws and other documents.

Once the information is gathered, county officials are planning to work with a consultant to conduct a productivity analysis of each entity.

Cronin said the intention isn't to micromanage the agencies. He said it's to “share model procedures, policies and best practices to guarantee that our citizens receive the most efficient and cost-effective government at every level.”

Mike Formento, chairman of the DuPage County Fair and Exposition Authority, said he welcomes the review.

“This is the first time that I could recall that we've ever had all of these organizations sit down and evaluate what is going on,” Formento said. “Any time that we could find efficiencies in government, it's very important.”

County board member Grant Eckhoff said he believes consolidation is inevitable because every agency is dealing with budget challenges.

“If enough leaders are in favor of it and take actions to make it happen, it will happen over time,” said Eckhoff, who has long sought consolidation of fire districts and departments. “Finances will drive the issue.”

Eckhoff said he supports consolidation because fewer layers of local government would result in less taxes and more accountability. “It would be a lot easier for people to watchdog government if there was less government,” he said.