Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 25, 1993 TAG: 9311250268
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: D6 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Representatives from the governments agreed Wednesday to consider hiring Towers Perrin - one of the largest management consultant companies in the world - to study areas for more cooperation.
Bill Evans, vice president of Towers Perrin, told valley officials that his company has made similar studies for many governments, including Los Angeles and other major cities.
Elmer Hodge, Roanoke County administrator, said such a study could determine the best areas for cooperation and how to proceed.
A panel was appointed Wednesday to determine the scope of such a study, the projected cost and other details.
Hodge said he thinks the cost would be reasonable, but he didn't make an estimate.
"If we asked the consultants to take an overview and then narrow it down to areas which are workable, I don't think the cost would be too high," Hodge said.
The decision to consider hiring consultants is an outgrowth of meetings on regional cooperation that were initiated in September by Del. Richard Cranwell, D-Roanoke County.
Cranwell has said the governments should merge utilities to ensure that the infrastructure is in place for economic growth.
The group - which includes representatives from Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, Roanoke County and Botetourt County - has been meeting regularly since September.
While Roanoke officials have participated in the meetings, they have said the discussions on cooperation should not be limited to water, sewer and other infrastructure facilities.
Roanoke wants changes in the structure of the governments, including regaining the power of annexation.
After the panel has determined the scope and cost of the study, Hodge said, it will take the information back to the larger group.
Hodge said the group will then decide whether to ask the governing bodies to share the cost of the study.
Roanoke City Councilman John Edwards said the study would determine the needs of each locality.
"If you are going to have genuine cooperation, you must take into consideration the needs of each locality," Edwards said.
As he understands it, Edwards said, the study would include an evaluation of sewer, water, refuse collection, public housing, welfare and other services.
"The idea is to find out the needs of each locality and areas where there can be cooperation," he said.
In Roanoke, there is the financial burden of public housing, public transportation and welfare. The city's needs in these areas must be considered along with sewer, water and utilities in other localities, Edwards said.
by CNB