Exploring Shared Services

SEPT 21 & 23 - EXPLORING SHARED SERVICES

Exploring Shared Services - Lansing Thursday, September 23, 2010 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Price Member $89.00 $109.00 Starting 9/8/2010

Online registration open until 9/15/2010 Registration is for Members Only

Event Description Understanding the Costs & Benefits of Sharing Services with Other Local Governments

Townships, like other Michigan local governments, are coping with the most difficult economic circumstances in 70 years, resulting in township officials embracing new strategies to continue delivering services at less cost. Even when cost savings are not the primary objective, township officials seek service delivery alternatives that will improve efficiency and effectiveness. Sharing local government services through buy-sell agreements or creating new entities to deliver a service for multiple jurisdictions-have been used by townships for decades. However, the current economic and political climate is making service-sharing arrangements more acceptable, while state policymakers, political pundits and government critics demand local service sharing or consolidation. This workshop, presented by experts in successful service-sharing arrangements, will enable participants to respond appropriately to the economic and political opportunities to collaborate with other governmental entities, including their county government, other townships, and cities and villages. The legal, political and economic barriers and opportunities will be explained, as well as the steps to initiate a successful joint service agreement and essential contract terms to ensure successful partnerships. Issues specific to various services such as water/sewer systems, fire and law enforcement, assessing, code enforcement, tax collections and election administration will also be explored.

Agenda 8:30 a.m. - Registration check-in & continental breakfast 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Workshop (Includes networking lunch) Presenters Larry Merrill, MTA Executive Director Lynn Harvey, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University Cancellations & Substitutions: Written cancellation requests received at the MTA office by July 27 will receive a full refund. No refunds will be issued thereafter. You may substitute another individual from your township for your registration at any time without incurring a charge (some exceptions apply); please notify MTA of the change. Special Needs: To ensure complete participation in the program, participants with special needs (dietary, accessibility) should contact MTA at (517) 321-6467. Save Money, Share a Ride Click here to see who is attending. This list is being provided to you for networking and carpooling purposes. See the Michigan Township Officials Directory for contact information. Education Hotline: Updated information about MTA workshops, including any weather related cancellations or sold-out sites, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (517) 321-6467, ext. 233. For more info visit: http://www.michigantownships.org/downloads/webbrochure_3.pdf

Location: 09/21/10 Otsego Club 696 M-32 E. Main St. Gaylord MI

9/23/10 Ramada Inn 7501 W. Saginaw Hwy. Lansing MI