Finizio Announces Public Works, Public Utilities Consolidation Plan

Mayor Daryl Finizio announced today that he intends to consolidate the and , saying the move will result in more efficient operations and significant cost savings over time.

“As we plan to improve our infrastructure, we intend better cooperation among our infrastructure departments,” Finizio said. “We don’t want to pave a road, only to rip it up months later to do utility work.”

No jobs will be eliminated and no offices will be moved as part of the consolidation. The administration consulted with the City Council on the proposal and hopes the consolidation can be completed before the start of the 2013 fiscal year on July 1.

Under the consolidation, Public Utilities Director Joe Lanzafame would become a deputy director in the Department of Public Works. Tim Hanser, director of the Department of Public Works, said the consolidation will allow increased collaboration on road and utility improvement projects.

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"I look forward to working more closely with Mr. Lanzafame and his staff," Hanser said in a statement. "By bringing public utilities under the umbrella of Public Works, we will ensure better coordination of efforts.”

"The city administration is making a concerted effort to gain efficiencies and improve communication between departments," Lanzafame said. "This change will yield a more streamlined city government better equipped to provide the residents with necessary services."

Several other officials in the city government or utility departments also supported the decision in Finizio's statement. Barry Weiner, chairman of the Water Pollution Control Authority, said he appreciated that Finizio consulted with him on the issue.

"I support his decision and look forward to continued cooperation toward a better New London," said Weiner.

"I am encouraged by the positive attitude and constructive solutions that the administration has generated as they make the necessary adjustments for the significant loss of revenue confronting the city," said City Council President Michael Passero.

The City Council will need to approve changes to several ordinances before the consolidation can take place.

Several city departments are seeking cost savings after significant reductions to their budget requests. Public Works is laying off three employees, leaving several positions vacant, and curtailing some services as a result of the cuts.

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