Johns Creek cuts back on private services

Johns Creek has taken a giant leap away from its reliance on a private company to run the city.

The City Council approved a 2011 contract with private firm CH2M Hill for $5 million to provide public works and community development services.

The city's contract with CH2M Hill this year was $17 million.

Much of the savings will be used to hire staff formerly provided by the company and for one-time transition expenses, such as the purchase of office and computer equipment, software and conversion of vehicles to city ownership.