Local government officials should take regular looks at municipal, county and school administration, to guard against top-heaviness in management.
Steubenville City Manager Cathy Davison did just that last week, after a police department captain submitted his resignation. Her conclusion, agreed to by City Council, was that the position should not be filled.
Instead, money saved by the captain's resignation will be used to hire another police dispatcher. That will allow a sergeant who had been tied down to a dispatching desk to go out and patrol the community.
Because many local government departments and agencies are relatively small, the perception there are too many managers sometimes is incorrect. But as Davison learned, it also can point to years in which titles were created and promotions were granted without considering efficiency.
Council's decision, which still must be finalized, means Steubenville residents will save a few dollars and receive better protection from city police.
Officials in other local government entities throughout the Ohio Valley should take their cue from Steubenville, and look at whether similar efficiencies can be achieved in their communities.
