In separate meetings earlier this week, Howard County Commissioners Court and the Big Spring City Council both approved the study, which is expected to look at streamlining services provided to area residents.
According to Commissioner Bill Crooker, the idea for the study came from Dr. Gene Theodori, currently with Sam Houston State University.
“Dr. Theodori was with the University of Texas A&M a while back, and in charge of the RCCI (Rural Community College Initiative) program, which met periodically over a period of about 18 to 24 months,” said Crooker. “That's where I first became acquainted with Dr. Theodori.
“He recently called me with the proposition that he would assign a graduate student who is very interested in city and county government to come to our community and study city and county government with the objective of finding areas where the two governments could achieve savings by working together to provide services.”
Crooker said the study — which will only cost the city and county a $1,000 donation to Sam Houston State University — could be a huge asset.
“With the size of our community — the city and county, population-wise — it's possible for us to achieve some economy in our services we provide to the general public,” said Crooker. “This isn't something cities like Houston or Dallas, which are very large cities, could undertake. But i do feel communities our size can benefit from such a study. It's entirely voluntary on our part as to whether we want to accept the propositions. The county can do what it wants with the study.”
Big Spring Mayor Russ McEwen agreed with Crooker's initial take on the offer, saying the study could save everyone money in the long run.
“Some 25 years ago a study was done to see where there could be efficiencies and where the city and county could put their heads together, their services together, to save the taxpayers money,” said McEwen. “Mr. Theodori is asking for a grant to do this. The county has decided to go forward with this study, and we're being asked to go forward with the study as well. The cost to the city will be $1,000. I think it would certainly be good to do that.”
No start or completion date has been established for the study at this time, according to government officials.
Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at
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