ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : Pork Barrel by Another Name?

“Privatizing” of public services is a good idea when it is done right because private firms can deliver some government services cheaper than, for example, a city or county. In a time when government doesn’t have the money to support every service, privatization is increasingly attractive. But cheaper isn’t necessarily better--or even less costly in the long run. Care must be taken to make sure that, once a decision is made to disband a public work force, the firms hired to carry on its duties are up to the job.

Orange County has contracted for certain private services for many years, at a great savings. Recently, however, it--like nearly all California counties--has been beset by unprecedented budgetary woes. The Board of Supervisors and county staff are looking for new ways to meet rising demands with fewer resources. Finding new ways to privatize is one thing now under examination.

Today, a task force of local corporate leaders will present to the board its report on ways the county can save money by turning over certain services to private industry.

Among the possibilities are contracting for landfill operations, animal control, airport maintenance and security, harbor patrol, custodial services and school crossing guards.

Given its record on certain private contracts, the county must take special care when it launches into new areas of contracting. Take, for example, its handling of the lease to run Sunset Marina Park at Huntington Harbour.

At the urging of several county officials, the board recently was asked to approve a renewal of the lease held by Goldrich & Kest Inc. of Culver City--despite repeated complaints about the firm’s maintenance of the marina. The lease, which was not due to expire for eight years, would have locked the county in for 30 years without competitive bidding.

After negative publicity about the renewal, a majority of the board has indicated it would not approve the proposed renewal, which the firm is now seeking to withdraw.

Sunset Marina is an example of what can happen when the county gives up direct control of services. The old pork-barrel philosophy can prevail.

As it studies privatization, the county also must improve its oversight procedures to make sure the public’s interest will best be served. That way privatize will be more than just the latest buzzword.