The Burlington Municipal Band plays peppy, patriotic Souza marches for the city’s Memorial Day celebrations. “Children do somersaults on the grass. People are proud. Those who attend feel the band is a strong part of the community; communities need something … Continue reading →
“Cities have been under so much economic strain and pressure that we had to adapt. Everything from the erosion of the tax base to the state tax decrease, it’s all dwindled down, and we have to really think about how … Continue reading →
While the recession has been declared officially over by most economists, local governments continue to feel the impact of the 2008 global financial meltdown and housing crisis. Unlike downturns of the past, the current recovery looks much different from anything … Continue reading →
Fire and fire-based EMS operations are on the defensive, both from members of the public and from those who write their paychecks. Since 9/11, public opinion of the fire service has remained high. But at the same time, city managers, … Continue reading →
The benefits of cooperative purchasing It’s a question plaguing communities all across the United States: How can we do more with less? According to Chris Penny of The Cooperative Purchasing Network, municipalities hampered by ever-shrinking budgets are turning to purchasing … Continue reading →
Not long ago, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet sought to acquire an enterprise-wide operations management system to consolidate the entry and management of data. This system would have to provide a daily reporting interface that allows entry of all pertinent data … Continue reading →
Looming pension crises across the nation have garnered a lot of attention, mainly because some state funds have promised far more than they can afford. In fact, PEW Charitable Trust estimates states were $1.38 trillion short of having saved enough … Continue reading →
Richard Grove is the finance director for Lower Allen Township, Pa., and has been in government finance for about 30 years. After working in several parts of the country, he returned to his home state because of its familiar environment … Continue reading →
In an effort to address an increased structural deficit, the city council of Altoona, Pa., voted to adopt an Act 47 financial recovery plan for the city Dec. 19, 2012. According to the plan, a mix of cost-saving initiatives and … Continue reading →
Walter Burnett, CAFM, has received many accolades during his long career in fleet management. He was a 2006 finalist for Government Fleet Magazine’s Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year Award and in 2007 received NAFA’s Excellence in Education Award. … Continue reading →
Transportation investments: According to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the surface transportation reauthorization that took place in 2012 represents an 80 percent increase in funding over the previous surface transportation reauthorization. Over the next six years, $47 billion … Continue reading →
