Report Advises More Privatizing by City
The Public Works Department could save money by increasing the number of services performed by outside contractors, according to a study presented to the City Council this week.
The report suggests that street sweeping and repair as well as park and landscape maintenance could cost less if privatized. Contracts for city services already account for about $54 million a year, or nearly 28% of Huntington Beach’s annual budget of $195 million.
About $44 million of those contracts are through the Public Works Department for sidewalk and ramp construction, street and alley improvements, traffic signal design and other work.
The study, done by David M. Griffith & Associates for the city at a cost of about $29,000, does not project how much money might be saved by increasing privatization.
The council agreed to form a committee of three members to analyze the study, then make a recommendation.
“In these difficult times, cities have to look at privatization,” Mayor David Sullivan said.
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