Consolidation:  Recently moved to the Pittsburgh area.  Was kind of shocked at the real estate tax rates for same (at least as compared to where I lived before).  Anyway, was looking at a Pittsburgh county map, and noticed that there were in excess of 50 townships (or they might call them bureaus). 

Started thinking about the above.  It's no wonder that taxes are so high - rather than consolidating, you have 50+ of everything - political officials, township bldgs, police bldgs, administrative support personnel, utility bills, school districts, etc, etc, etc.  Have to believe that if states (I'm assuming that the Pittsburgh area is not unique in this situation) would consolidate to the maximum extent possible,  huge savings would be garnered for the taxpayers of the Pittsburgh area (and other cities, townships and counties across the U. S.).   Probably the most logical consolidation level would be at the city level, or in absence of a big city, at the county level.  Township governments should be avoided to the maximum extent possible.  Most people don't even know who their local township officials are.

Actually, I'd be shocked it Pittsburgh couldn't reduce taxes by at least 50% if they were to consolidate.  Realize that such a proposition would be fought tooth and nail by all the political officials/the govt employees in the Pittsburgh area as consolidation would obviously be a real negative for them.  But - it's what's best for the taxpayers............  Monies could be spent on what people wanted rather than on unnecessary duplication of effort.

We don't need over 50 sets of peoples doing exactly the same kinds of things.  Consolidation could lead to massive tax cuts.  Also, the long term burden for states and localities would be reduced - less employees = less retirement costs (pensions and health care costs)  NOTE:  You can attrition the personnel down, rather than have massive personnel cuts.