LOS ANGELES — San Bernardino hired Management Partners, a consulting firm that specializes in helping distressed cities to evaluate necessary city service levels.
Paul Glassman, who represents the city in its bankruptcy, said during a Nov. 18 bankruptcy hearing that the City Council's Monday vote to hire the firm was "evidence of the city's commitment to a plan of adjustment process."
The goal is not just for the city to restructure debt, but to provide adequate services, Glassman also said of the hire.
The city has twice hired the firm before - in 2007 and 2010 - but failed to adopt its recommendations, said U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Meredith Jury.
"What I remember is the city didn't do anything recommended in the reports," Jury said.
Michael Busch, chief executive officer at Urban Futures, will continue to provide financial advisory services to the city.
Management Partners helped Stockton develop its restructuring plan, Glassman said.
"A study like that only works if a) the recommendations are good and b) if the recommendations are followed," said Michael Sweet, a bankruptcy attorney with Fox Rothschild. "Waving around a booklet from a consultant doesn't do you any good, unless you are willing to follow the advice and the advice is good."
