Hankering for Consolidation

Allegheny County chief executive Dan Onorato wants to make government consolidation one of his top priorities during his second four-year term, he said last week at his inauguration. “I am recommitting my administration to the goal of streamlining government and reducing costs by eliminating duplicated functions,” Onorato said in his second inaugural address Wednesday. Onorato said his efforts at reducing the number of “row offices” — including those of the treasurer, district attorney, sheriff, and controller — from 10 to four saved taxpayers at least $1 million annually. Additionally, he said his efforts to reduce the number of 911 call centers in the county from five to one will help save $3 million annually. “It’s something that we have seen a lot more municipalities and counties talk about,” said Moody’s Investors Service analyst Jenny Maloney. If the possible consolidations help control costs, it could be positive for Allegheny County, she said. Moody’s gives the county an underlying rating of A3. Details of Onorato’s plans to reduce or merge certain municipalities in the county remain unclear as his office has yet to release any formal plans. There are 130 municipalities and more than 100 police departments within Allegheny County.