Lost in the conversation about the Eugene Springfield Fire divorce is the additional burden placed on taxpayers. While it might be negligible, add that to other municipal duplications and you come up with some real money.

The two cities have a combined population of roughly 230,000 people, yet each has its own:

  • City council and mayor
  • City manager
  • Finance department
  • Human resources department
  • Police department
  • Fire administration 
  • Planning and permitting departments
  • Public works management
  • Parks administration

While I get the historical value in maintaining distinct civic identity, here’s my quick estimate of what municipal convergence could save us:

AreaEstimated long-term annual savings
Administration$3 million to $7 million
Police support services$2 million to $5 million
Joint purchasing$1 million to $2 million
Fleet maintenance$500,000 to $1 million
IT and software$1 million to $3 million
Total potential$8 million to $18 million

Chump change? Or an opportunity to realize annual savings to improve services, replace aging infrastructure or reduce future tax increases?

Bert Rudman
Eugene