Time to look at a new combination

It’s not often the stars align in such a way as to guide the steps of our local leaders, but right now might be a good time for them to look up.

In an area that can benefit from every scrap of efficiency it can find, it might seem obvious that similar services two miles apart could benefit by joining forces.

Now think about the local police departments. Coulee Dam has one; so does Grand Coulee. Electric City does not, but Coulee Dam recently learned their police would be servicing that city on the other side of Grand Coulee via a bid that was marginally smaller.

That may be slightly better for Electric City’s budget, but probably far less so than the efficiencies that could be available in a combined department.

That’s no certainty, but a real possibility. Now would be a good time to find out.

Coulee Dam’s police chief just retired. Grand Coulee started fresh almost a year ago with a new chief. Change is in the air. Officers within departments and leaders in the municipalities they serve should consider investigating the possibilities.

Scott Hunter

editor and publisher