People like to gripe about the size of their local tax bill. But if you suggest to them a cost-saving merger with a neighboring municipality, they roll their eyes and change the subject.

Thirty-six of Allegheny County's 130 municipalities have fewer than 2,000 residents. Does it really make sense for taxpayers to fund a Frazer Township at 1,286 people, or a Wall Borough with 727 souls, or how about Haysville, pop. 78?

Until enough people see the error in their subdivided ways, they'll pay more in taxes and like it less. But short of a full consolidation between two or more municipalities, there are other joint efforts that can reduce costs.

One is to contract for a key service with a neighboring town; Ohio Township, for instance, has agreements with eight communities to provide police protection. The other is to enter a compact with several municipalities to deliver a service together; Pine, Marshall, Bradford Woods and Richland, for instance, make up the Northern Regional Police Department.

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato wants to see more of these service mergers and he's willing to find money to help communities do it. That would be a boost for boroughs, for instance, that would like to consolidate several volunteer fire companies but can't afford to pay for a response-time study on the new arrangement. The money could also help townships build a new centrally located police station or pay for new equipment.

Mr. Onorato recently met with 50 local officials to pitch his plan. Reactions were mixed, but there was interest in using the county's help to reduce local costs. Other meetings are planned.

The chief executive said last week that he would try to pull funds -- perhaps "a few million dollars, maybe more" -- from the county, the state and private foundations. The money would be dispensed as one-time capital grants to streamline government.

Mr. Onorato's leadership is key to promoting the discussion. With vision and dollars, the county can seed an idea that deserves to bear fruit.