Missed opportunities and a way forward.

That’s what the members of the Lewiston-Auburn Commission on Joint Services talk about when they explain their blueprint for increased cooperation between the Twin Cities.

The commission, formed in the fall of 2004, delivered to the city councils of Lewiston and Auburn on Monday night a plan to consolidate the planning, oversight and delivery of services to residents. The plan begins with achievable, short-term goals and progresses to bigger, more controversial ones. But, perhaps most importantly, the commission lays the groundwork and proposes a structure that will ensure their examination of the two cities doesn’t go to waste.

While the five-year timeline for developing a plan to consolidate the two police departments will likely generate the most immediate attention, it’s the commission’s recommendation that a residents’ panel be formed – and staffed with a new employee – that is instrumental to moving forward.

Robert Clifford, co-chairman of the commission, says that it is the lack of internal support and infrastructure that has hampered previous efforts to combine services within the two cities. He makes a compelling point.

After the presentation from the commission, both city councils voted to seek state funding for a staff position to coordinate their efforts at regionalization.

In his State of the State address, Gov. Baldacci said his supplemental budget would restore $1 million into a fund to promote the efficient delivery of educational services and $1 million for a similar fund for local and regional services.

The commission received a state grant for its work, and it’s possible the cities would qualify for an implementation grant of up to about $200,000 that might be used to contract for the type of position sought.

The governor often uses the cooperation between the cities of Lewiston and Auburn as an example of what can be accomplished when neighboring communities work together. Now, the cities are trying to take the next step, to formalize the cooperation by adding an employee dedicated to that mission. If the state is serious about regionalization, this is a perfect opportunity to support two communities that are making a serious attempt.

According to the commission’s report, if the cities had moved forward with coordinated capital planning, purchasing and a similar consolidation plan five years ago, they could be saving as much as 7 percent on their operating budgets by now. But the commissioners also are quick to point out that regionalization and cooperation, in the short term, won’t likely translate into lower property taxes. It takes time for efforts to pay off.

The commission recommends moving the cities toward compatible computer systems so departments can more easily work together or be consolidated, standardizing building and business codes, and combining “back office” and administrative offices. The commission doesn’t spare the police or fire departments from the prospect of consolidation despite the heat the idea is likely to draw.

As part of its work, the commission conducted a poll of residents: 70 percent of those who responded support combining back office operations; 65 percent support standardized codes and standards; 65 percent support coordinated economic development; 57 percent support a single police department; and 54 percent a single fire department.

Noticeably, the commission takes a pass on schools. That’s a little disappointing. Education – and not just payroll and supplies – should be part of any discussion on regionalization, even if it’s just to eliminate it as an option.

There are problems with moving too fast that the commission identifies – incompatible technology, different training models and different missions. In other areas, like uniform construction codes, the commission is pushing for almost immediate action.

Regionalization and cooperation are major themes running throughout state government. Lewiston and Auburn have proven themselves willing guinea pigs to see how far the idea can take them. We call upon the state to match its rhetoric with its wallet and come through with state support to fund a new position to support the cities’ experiment with joint services.