PROJECT SUMMARY
The Monmouth-EMC public-private partnership meets the criteria established by NCPPP for qualification as a 2000 award recipient in the following ways:

Originality
Monmouth is the largest city in Illinois, and one of the largest in the United States, to enter into a long-term public-private partnership for all public works services with a single provider. The support of the local AFSCME union, measured in a vote shortly before final council action, is not only rare but also shows the commitment made by city and EMC officials to involve employees in the process and soften any potential negative impacts. A presentation made by city and EMC officials, at the annual Illinois Municipal League conference in September 1999. In Chicago attracted more city officials than any other session and revealed the level of interest in the originality of the partnership. Finally, at least one city in Illinois has emulated the Monmouth-EMC partnership and several others have inquired and are actively considering such an agreement.

Quality
Service quality is enhanced under the terms of the agreement with performance guarantees assured by EMC and fines for nonperformance. EMC upgraded the city's computer system and assisted the city with a solution to the Y2K issue. The firm implemented a switch to monthly billing of water and sewer users that increased efficiency and helped the city's cash flow. EMC conducts a regular program of preventive maintenance and helped develop a long-term capital replacement program for the city.

Implementation
EMC and Monmouth officials conducted a smooth and seamless transition of services from public to private management. It resulted in part from a good working relationship dating to 1993 when the city originally contracted with EMC for wastewater services. Another important aspect of the implementation was the city's retention of the previous public works director who stayed with the city for a year and a half to oversee the transition. He then was hired by EMC to take over day-to-day management of public works, thus assuring continuity and stability of services. The positive relations between the city and EMC and smooth implementation of the partnership agreement was evidenced by further partnering opportunities. EMC was selected by the city for DBO contracts to place a synthetic cover over a local lagoon and for a multi-million dollar sewer separation project. Trust is an essential element of any public-private partnership and EMC and Monmouth officials have worked hard to maintain and enhance that trust.

Economics
Because of the city's severe financial problems, significant cost savings were crucial to the success of the partnership. First year cost saving were projected at approximately $260,000 and will lead to annual savings of about $325,000 when the number of employees is reduced to the optimal level through attrition. In other words, the firm agreed to provide public works services for $1.3 million compared to the city's prior cost of approximately $1.6 million.