As the sixth largest city in the state, Kent might want to become a regional provider of services to smaller, neighboring cities to help solve budget shortfalls, according to a consultant’s preliminary report.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Kent could possibly contract with other cities to provide jail space, police, parks maintenance or other services, said Michael Hodgins, of BERK consulting<\/a> in Seattle, during an Oct. 30 report to the Kent City Council.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n “A city of Kent’s size (119,100) could contract services out to neighbors,” Hodgins said. “You could become a contract provider to others. You need to look at what you do well and how there may be an opening there. It’s rich for discussion as a big city.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n With large drops in sales tax revenue, the council wants to look at ways to raise more revenue or places to cut services in order to get the city out of a crisis mode each year when it tries to balance its budget.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The council approved a $43,730 contract Sept. 4 with BERK to find ways to save money in the budget. The efficiency study won’t help much with this year’s budget shortfall but is expected to provide a starting point for decisions next year by the council to make the city stronger financially.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n “We do need to look at what we do well and whether we can contract out services,” said Councilwoman Deborah Ranniger at the meeting. “We need to look at what we do not want to do anymore such as maybe there’s a way to do animal control and not spend $270,000 a year.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Kent contracts with Regional Animal Services of King County<\/a> to provide animal control services.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n “I’m really impressed with the output (in the report) that will allow us to put a framework together and plan things to take a closer look at,” said Councilman Bill Boyce. “The report can help us move in the right direction.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n