How much do you want to save on your property taxes? That’s the leading question when considering whether or not to consolidate some city functions and services. It is not difficult to understand that there would be efficiencies and savings in merging payroll, public works, and public safety. Sure there would be some initial costs to merging but, in the long run, it would be less expensive than to maintain duplication.

Can we afford to keep things the same regardless of the cost? We tend not to like change. Even when we know it is necessary, there is always an element of uncertainty with change. Sure, we feel comfortable with the way things are, but we really must come up with darn good reasons to keep things the way they are. It is becoming needlessly expensive to do so.

We are not trying to merge the two cities here; we’re trying to save money through consolidation. Procrastination by city councilors on both sides of the city is costing us all. Don’t expect city management to hurry up this process. It will take pressure from ordinary citizens and action by both city councils.

Edouard Plourde, Lewiston