I think there is a big opportunity for cutting costs and lowering municipal tax rates over time. I believe that city managers and staff could help to achieve this thru a rewards program that would raise the level of focus on innovation and efficiencies for lowering operating costs.
This type of program would encourage middle and senior management to dig deeper into their day to day operations and help uncover innovative ideas for more cost efficient methods of operating.
Reward programs work very well in the corporate world because the whole organization becomes better aligned towards a common goal.