Columbus –State Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) introduced Senate Bill 125 this week which would give cities and municipalities more authority to share services. The legislation, proposed by Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson, would allow municipalities to enter into contracts that would let them perform services for one another while sharing cost and resources.
“The current fiscal environment forces us to think how we can work collaboratively to address the needs of our citizens while saving taxpayer dollars,” Senator Turner said. “I am pleased to work with Mayor Jackson and Senator Seitz to empower our communities to work together to provide vital services more efficiently.”
The legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), would help cities share services including snow removal, road repair and waste management.
“I would like to thank Senator Turner and her co-sponsor Senator Seitz for getting Senate Bill 125 introduced,” Mayor Jackson said. “We are living in an environment where rapid change is the reality of the moment. Just one year ago I engaged Senator Turner on the idea of expanding the scope of authority for municipalities to be able to provide service outside their boundaries. Fast forward to a short time later, what was a good and prudent business solution then is a matter of necessity today.”
The bill has also received support from Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association.
“This legislation carries even more importance given the difficult economic climate along with proposed cuts in funding to local governments from the State. Communities in Northeast Ohio are committed to collaboration and sharing services,” said John Licastro, President of the CCMCMA. The General Assembly must give us the legal tools to allow that to happen. We thank Senator Turner for her continued efforts to have this legislation become state law and applaud both her and the bill's co-sponsor Senator Bill Seitz.”