In Depth:

The joint authority was approved in 1977 to govern the airport.

All three cities also share a stake in the Magnolia Power Plant in Burbank, adding to annual saving accrued through membership of the Southern California Public Power Authority.

In Glendale, the Verdugo Fire Communications Center serves the tri-cities along with Alhambra, Arcadia and seven other communities.

Verdugo dispatch, officials said, is a prime example of cities not having to cede their identities, along with a recently approved joint helicopter agreement among all three cities. The deal saves Burbank and Glendale about $400,000 annually.

Levels of service

Despite the possible economic benefits of consolidation, city officials acknowledged that they could face some opposition in their respective constituencies.

“Each of us have different commitments to the quality of service depending on the quality of service we’re providing,” Flad said. “For instance, Burbank might have higher standards for quality of service at its animal shelter, or vice versa.”

In Pasadena, libraries are partially funded by a parcel tax, so they have more per capita and a higher expectation for library service.

“The cities that have a higher level of service in a given area may not want to see that degraded, even if it means saving money,” Flad said.

Newfarmer said a successful effort will, no doubt, save taxpayers money. But the Achilles’ heel, he said, will be turf protection.

“The greater good is [providing] a service at a lesser cost to our people,” he said. “But that takes time, and it takes leadership.”