Another Post on Privatizing Sanitation!

Please forgive this new post on a topic that is apparently gaining consideration. My take on privatizing sanitation.  But before launching into the substance, I thought I'd start by saying hello to my neighbors, many of whom I do not see frequently enough!  Anyway, here goes nothing --


Years ago I was on a Committee charged with examining the future of the public works facility.  As part of that process, several of us on the Committee supported examining what impact privatizing the public works department would have on the Village.  Our rationale was two-fold.   In part, we believed that privatizing some functions within the public works department would create cost savings for the Village and, at the same time, reduce demands on the Village’s general administrative department.   The saved dollars could then be repurposed to long overdue infrastructure improvements within the Village.  In part, we also wished to start a dialogue within the Village concerning whether the present level of service (i.e. trash pick-up two times per week) ought to be curtailed to meet with our environmentally conscious times.  Stated more directly, eliminating one pick-up day per week might very well force all of us, as a community, to examine our behavior and hopefully reduce our aggregate trash output.  I confess to being among those needing a little encouragement in that area. 

Despite our best efforts at the time, the Committee never meaningfully engaged in an analysis of the pros and cons of privatization and, to my knowledge, no informed and thoughtful discussion of the subject has ever occurred at the Village Commission.   

I was happy to hear that our Village Manager recently raised this subject before the Commission.  Regardless of anyone’s specific views on the subject, this type of proactive management ought to be applauded.   It is about time we have a full frank discussion about subjects that might lead to meaningful steps forward regardless of the outcome.  Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Commission meeting to lend voice to those within our community that believe the idea of privatizing public works has substantial merit.   I encourage the Commission to really dig in and take the opportunity to gather the underlying information and thereafter engage our community in a meaningful discussion of the pros and cons of both privatizing public works and maintaining the status quo.   In my view, no meaningful discussion can be complete without some focus on the potential benefits we all might enjoy from repurposing any dollars saved from privatization.    

Incidentally, as part of the privatization debate, I also believe it appropriate to consider how the public works department should function in the future even assuming the Commission decides to maintain the status quo.    It seems to me that consideration of reducing service levels should be considered regardless of the path forward here.   Moreover, if the Commission decides to maintain the status quo, I hope that some discussion focuses on restructuring the public works department to ensure that our public works employees are earning a living wage.  The last time I saw the data, it was apparent that few of the positions within that department provide a real living wage and, as a community, I believe we are better than that!

Well, if you made it this far, thank you for your time.  I look forward to seeing how this debate unfolds in the coming months.

Sincerely,

Drew Dillworth
10831 NE 8^th Court