A survey of 214 county officials in 8 Washington counties examined the extent of county public service funding changes from 1978-1984. Most county officials saw state and federal requirements pre-empting local decisions about budget allocations. Over half thought that their adjustments to reduced funding increased the quality of county services.…

Argues that state government must take a strong lead in promoting rural development. Justification for such a role includes improving the efficiency of the state's economy; making full use of fixed investments; improving rural-urban equity; preserving a rural lifestyle; and responding effectively to population density differences between rural and…

Discusses the money saving practice of small communities contracting with neighboring communities for special government services like firefighting. Using fire protection as an example, provides practical information for negotiating a fair price. Stresses establishing a bargaining range within which negotiations can take place--setting upper and…

Uses public opinion polls to show that rural Americans, like the rest of the country, prefer less government in general but do not support cuts in specific programs. Finds rural Americans less supportive of government spending, particularly mass transportation, welfare, and public health; more supportive of sales taxes; more changeable. (LFL)

Discusses use of volunteers to augment local government services such as libraries, parks, paralegal aid, elderly care, data processing. Outlines requirements of successful programs and steps toward initiating volunteer programs. Presents case studies of volunteer programs in two Maryland communities and 41 examples of how local governments can…

Reports results of a 1982 survey of suburban and rural local governments in Maryland, which showed that cable television in rural areas is generally inferior to that in the suburbs, providing less revenue for local governments and poorer services. Advises local officials how to improve their current cable arrangements. (JHZ)

Provides extensive information about where nonmetro governments get their revenue and how they spend it. Shows that between 1977 and 1982 nonmetro local governments raised additional revenue from local sources, increasing the fiscal pressure on their communities. Graphs compare metro and nonmetro revenues, spending, and debt. (JHZ)

Examines the impact of federal funding cutbacks on operations of 12 nonprofit social service agencies in 6 rural Ohio counties. Finds that mega-agencies have broadened their clientele, service offerings, and funding sources, while smaller agencies are squeezed. Discusses effects on service delivery effectiveness, local priorities, and public…

Uses Census of Governments data from 1962-87 to examine number and distribution of U.S. nonmetropolitan government-poor counties (places that spend little on government services). Although the number of government-poor counties has declined steadily, spending levels in the 160 poorest counties actually decreased relative to the nonmetropolitan…

Describes how one of Kentucky's fastest growing counties handles growth-related problems without zoning ordinances using an innovative Development Guidance System. Discusses the origin and adoption of the system, system procedures, criteria used in granting development permits, and public reaction. (LFL)

A survey of 152 public officials in three rural southwestern Ohio counties showed that when compared to officials who belonged to no professional associations, local officials who belonged to professional organizations were more likely to recognize when local problems required outside help and more likely to know where to get that help. (JHZ)