Cooperation for Tax Savings: Howard County Schools and Government Efficiency
Enhancing collaboration between Howard County schools and government led to substantial tax savings, improved services, and reduced liabilities. Initiatives like joint benefits bids and shared services resulted in millions of dollars in annual savings, benefiting taxpayers and reshaping the organizational culture.
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Presentation Transcript
SAVING TAX DOLLARS AND CHANGING CULTURE Cooperation between Howard County schools and government to benefit taxpayers
Starting with a vision County government and school systems should work together more closely. The public does not perceive a difference between the two entities. It s worth the effort to break down barriers between public schools and local government.
Implementing the vision Howard County Executive Ken Ulman and then-Schools Superintendent Sidney Cousin formed task force to explore cooperation. Headed by county chief administrative officer and schools chief financial officer.
Sharing services Broadcast meetings: $500k yearly Geographic Info. System: $250k yearly Broadband fiber: $1 mill. yearly for phone; more for internet access; increased content
Sharing services Data Center $3 mill. constr.; $50k yearly Fleet Solar school $100k over life of project maintenance $4 mill. constr.; $260k yearly rent saved
Common-sense savings Fuel purchase : $30k yearly Snow-plowing: 20 percent capacity boost Field maintenance: $10k yearly
Big-ticket savings Joint benefits bid OPEB Review $10 million yearly $50 million in future obligations Health, dental, disability, life and other benefits $5 million yearly
The results Annual expenses: $18 million Capital costs avoided: $14 million Reduced liabilities: $50 million
A framework for cooperation 2012 Assembly Maintenance of Effort Review offered chance to incentivize cooperation in law. Provision of law championed by Executive Ulman: creates system for counties and Boards of Education to identify ongoing savings by identifying recurring costs.
The bottom line School system should do what it does well EDUCATION; County governments can assist with what we do well. Exec. Ulman White Paper on Collaboration available at end of session.
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