BOC approves quick privatization study

Posted by
Mike Buffington
in County Government Archives, Top Stories & Breaking News
Wednesday, August 14. 2013
Comments (11)
The Barrow County Board of Commissioners Tuesday night agreed after much debate to allow county manager Jock Connell to hire an expert to determine whether private companies could deliver some county services cheaper and better than the government does. The move kept alive the idea of privatizing some functions of county government at a moment when it appeared that a majority of the BOC could be prepared to nix the concept. Had the board killed the idea Tuesday night, it would have been a big political setback for Connell and BOC chairman Pat Graham, both of whom have championed the concept of privatization.
The departments to be studied are: building and grounds; finance; engineering; roads & bridges; human resources; planning and its related areas; fleet maintenance; public works, purchasing; risk management; the senior center; wastewater; stormwater; water; tax assessor; and animal control.
After that first study is done, a report will come back to the BOC from the consultant before any further action is taken.
For the full story, see the Aug. 14 issue of the Barrow Journal.
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#1 Joe on 08/14/13 at 11:43 AM [Reply]
The BOC passed the litmus test. Now to use the free market vs. the crony market system.
#2 Mac Daddy on 08/14/13 at 03:22 PM [Reply]
I guess all those high paid salaries are about to be in the unemployment line.. Like the guy they just hired for planning director for the 4th time at $90k/year
#2.1 Bic Mac on 08/14/13 at 04:35 PM [Reply]
That Guy is Pat's boy - he's exempt from the study. Oh and so is Jock and his hand picks from Gwinnett.
#2.2 Hmmm on 08/14/13 at 06:40 PM [Reply]
No worries Mac, I'm sure the GOB(Not GOP)party types have many more "6 figure" clerks and "high dollar" secretaries on the payroll. Funny thing is when the "Job" has value in the market, you don't have to worry about your "employment" or the "lies and secrets" you kept to keep the "Job".
#3 john boy on 08/14/13 at 04:55 PM [Reply]
Hendrix said his people say in favor 2-1. Just like those polls. Not a good indicator. Anything involving Government, BOC or BOE will get negative reviews from the citizens, unless your a govern. employee.
#4 MollyRose on 08/15/13 at 09:24 AM [Reply]
The higher ups will keep their gravy jobs...it is the working people that are in danger of losing their jobs! Jock Connell is a joke! He is in Barrow for the short term, mess things up, line his pockets and the pockets of those he hires and the experts who do the "studies." He'll move on to another dimwitted country government next and proceed to ruin it.
#4.1 know it all on 08/15/13 at 11:12 AM [Reply]
you are absolutely correct molly, the people doing the study will be cronies from his gwinnet days, of course they will find it in favor to privatize everything. then the companies and the people who own the companies that are engaged to do these jobs will also be cronis or family members of the current administration. next thing to happen will be that thay double or even triple the cost to the local taxpayer. Everybody will win excpt the taxpayer and the lowest paid county employees.Barrow county will be completly bankrupt within two to three years.
#4.1.1 Hmmm on 08/15/13 at 02:31 PM [Reply]
So... Put out the CLOSED FOR BUSINESS sign

Because, You are more then happy with the GOB(Not GOP)party taxing and spending it all on the friends and family of the connected ...

And they are "GOOD PEOPLE"

You know, just because you hang out with the barrow county connected does not make the rest of the world as corrupt as your friends and family on the board, in office, on the dole or on the take...

Ever, wonder why there is so much wealth and commerce on the "other side" of the county line?
#4.2 smarty marty on 08/15/13 at 05:42 PM [Reply]
Jock is not a joke. What he is, is sneaky smart and laughing all the way to Barrows bank. Dummy Commisioners know they messed up but to arragant to admit it
#5 Joe on 08/15/13 at 02:53 PM [Reply]
@ Know It All -- so what would be the difference in Jock hiring his family, friends and cronies from Gwinnett over the GOB party hiring their family, friends and cronies from Barrow?

Can't double or triple what we are already paying in taxes because we are already the highest taxed county in the area.

We are already paying clerks, secretaries and other do nothings 6 figure incomes. So what is the difference?

You must be one of those unqualified employees earning high wages. Nice to know you have so much free time on your hands, you can blog from work.
#6 jobs lost today on 08/16/13 at 08:38 PM [Reply]
heard that 3 lost their jobs today in the permit dept. is this phase 1 of jocks grand plan.
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