The city of Baltimore can't put a price tag on the repair and replacement needs of its public buildings because no one knows the extent of the costs. Mayor Sheila Dixon is trying to get a handle on the problem. It's not a flashy part of her job, but it's an essential one that got little attention in the past.
As part of her plan, Ms. Dixon expects to increase the amount of money the city borrows to finance these projects, but officials should make sure that any increase doesn't impair the city's hard-won credit rating. She's ordered an assessment of the expected repairs, from elevator replacements to leaky roofs, and anticipated construction projects. It's a long-overdue review, but it should give City Hall a sharper focus for its capital expenses that could increase by $27 million in future years.
Ms. Dixon also wants voters to approve a new Cabinet-level department, which would give building maintenance and construction projects higher priority. This work is now handled within the city public works agency.
The administration's proposal also makes good political sense, especially as the city anticipates cuts in state funds and reduced revenues because of the depressed housing market. Building a neighborhood library or upgrading the air conditioning in a rundown city school are improvements that citizens can readily see and appreciate. They're pothole repairs on a larger scale, and the last mayor who made those a priority was returned to office numerous times.
A new Department of General Services would handle and oversee repair and construction projects for about 200 city-owned buildings; the expectation is a streamlined process and projects delivered on time and within budget. It also would manage the city's fleet of cars, trucks, bulldozers and other vehicle equipment.
A report by the Greater Baltimore Committee in 2000 recommended just such an agency. It predicted increased efficiency, accountability and several millions in savings. That's a potential trifecta of rewards on a mundane aspect of city business.
Meanwhile, Mayor Dixon would also like to get private companies involved in the financing and development of schools, rec centers and parks buildings. Possibilities might include sale-leaseback arrangements, land swaps, tax incentives and other opportunities. It's an innovative idea to help cut the city's costs, one straight out of the business-not-as-usual department, but as yet untested here.