Service Sharing Opportunities for the Port Towns of Bladensburg, Colmar Manor,and Cottage City

摘要

This study examines the services currently being provided by the towns ofBladensburg, Colmar Manor, and Cottage City and identifies potential service sharing opportunities among the three municipalities. The study does not consider possible mergers of municipal services into combined departments because local officials expressed the desire to retain the existing level of autonomy of each town. Since 1995 the towns have worked cooperatively through the Port Towns Community Development Cooperation (PTCDC) on neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and environmental improvements. This spirit of cooperation and the existing mechanisms for sharing information and resources provide an excellent starting point for future service sharing ventures.