16 ideas to save the city of Tulsa money

The effort at Tulsa city hall to save money. Tulsa is now getting cost cutting advice from taxpayers. <br><br>News on Six reporter Emory Bryan says the city wanted expert advice on saving money - and

Tuesday, January 21st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The effort at Tulsa city hall to save money. Tulsa is now getting cost cutting advice from taxpayers.

News on Six reporter Emory Bryan says the city wanted expert advice on saving money - and who better to ask than regular people. Tulsans came through with a long list of ideas that's been pared down to just a few.

What if - all those buses that ride around almost empty - were replaced by smaller, more efficient vehicles? Saving money on buses is just one of the ideas suggested by citizens - who took part in the Mayor's competition for better government. Ron Howell, City Consultant: "The ideas look good - lots of good ideas."

One of the ideas was to change the lamps in all streetlights with a more efficient model. The suggestion could save electricity - and reduce light pollution. Its been suggested before - but never taken seriously.

Some city employees suggested running pumps at the water plant during off-peak hours - another way to save the costs of electricity.

One citizen suggested penalizing city contractors who submit low bids for projects - but add in expenses later.

The old idea of having the fire department handle the ambulance service was suggested again - and made the cut.

In all - 94 ideas came in, those were pared down to the 16 best ideas - and those will go to the next step - another detailed review with a more thorough analysis of the cost savings. The four best ideas will advance once they're considered proven ways to save money. "A lot of good ideas, millions of dollars in these ideas.â€

And besides this contest, city hall is taking on a performance review to see if government can work better - while saving money at the same time.