Privatizing city government

Reviving a debate over the role of city government workers in delivering services, City Controller Laura Chick released a report Monday seeking to lay out ground rules for studying public-private partnerships.Daily News.

Opening the idea of contracting out services on everything from golf course operations to trash collection and fleet management, Chick said her proposal is to have a public debate over the issue with detailed studies of costs and benefits.

"We are facing an economic meltdown and cities across the nation are hearing from consultants who are saying they can save us money if only we contract out the services," she said. "What I'm saying is that we need to take a look at it and determine if it is in the best interests of the city."