Consultant Recommends University City Outsource Some Services

A consultant hired by University City to look at cost saving measures has come out with his recommendations.

The consultant with Ralph Andersen and Associates evaluated U City's Public Works Department and the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, which along with the Police and Fire Departments receive the bulk of the City's resources.

The report's number one recommendation is to merge the sections of Parks Maintenance, Forestry and Golf Course Maintenance into an expanded Parks Division. The reorganized Parks Division would be merged with the Public Works Department into a new City department, called  "The Community Services Department."

The report also calls for reducing staff in the Parks Division and Streets Maintenance Division.

The consultant recommends the City outsource street sweeping as well as its solid waste function, which includes trash service and recycling pickup.

Another recommendation is to close the Heman Community Center. According to the report, the center loses approximately $100,000 a year because seniors are going to nearby Centennial Commons instead. The report suggests the Center be used only as a community rental.