Town, county can save money by working together

Cooperation. Tax savings. Responsible government.

These are words that need to be part of the discussion when the Culpeper community discusses the issue of consolidation.

If the local governments will work together, they can combine services and reduce costs.

We don't need both the town and the county in the water and sewer business.

The town and the county need to work together so a joint authority will operate the utility systems in the community.

Let's look at central purchasing to save funds. This should include the school system.

How about a joint parks and recreation program- The town owns the parks and the county runs the programs. Put the operations together.

Look at road issues. The local governments should be working together on solutions. The outer connector is a good example.

A joint citizens committee could help give this focus.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, there was a joint planning commission. Why not bring back a joint planning commission for better land use coordination-

The list goes on.
A serious look at consolidation gives the local governments the opportunity to find tax savings. It should make it more efficient.
I support the consolidation petition effort.

When it comes time to actually vote for or against consolidation, I will base my decision on the serious efforts by local government to achieve these results.