Regionalization of fire protection and emergency medical aid services: A comparative case study analysis of economic and socio-political impacts

Contracting out of general fund services and programs to regional service producers is often viewed as an opportunity for local governments. The regional distribution of services can produce significant benefits to municipalities seeking reductions in labor and equipment costs, provision of a broader spectrum of services, and expansion of service areas to meet emergent needs.; This dissertation's overarching question is, why? Why is contracting out successful in some cases and unsuccessful in others, and what empirical generalizations and conditions are useful when considering contracting out? Specifically, since two cities of similar populations, budgets, and within the same county contract out fire protection and emergency medical aid services to two different regional service producers, what structural and operational differences exist that affect the outcomes of entering into these contractual relationships?; This dissertation explores and integrates economic and socio-political theory and contracting out practices, explores the benefits and shortcomings of providing an essential public service through a contractual relationship with a regional service producer, and compiles the elements essential for a successful contractual relationship.; The case study analysis focuses on two cities in Oregon that contract out fire protection and emergency medical aid services to regional service producers. Oregon City contracts with Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, (TVF&R) and Milwaukie contracts with Clackamas Fire District 1.; This research supports existing literature that contracting out to regional service producers is a viable alternative for providing government services. Core research techniques for conducting this dissertation's case studies consist of open-ended interviews/inquiries, gathering documents and archival records, and this researcher's insights and knowledge as a participant observer.; A Contract Convergence Model is offered as a tool that government managers and organizations can utilize to anticipate and address pertinent economic and socio-political elements linked to successful contract situations. Further, this dissertation identifies key decisions made during the policy-making process by regional service producers, municipalities, and communities. These decisions contributed to successful and discordant contractual relationships.