“… What Alton is considering, however, is a proposal from a private company to buy and manage the city’s sewer and wastewater treatment facilities. … Sounds like a fascinating business, one that has delivered great returns for shareholders in the last decade. But what about the taxpayers’ riverboats? … this 'privatization' could indeed be a blessing for shareholders and taxpayers alike, as a specialist company manages assets like these in an efficient solution for financially troubled municipalities. … there is a risk that such arrangements could prove to be more efficient at getting cash in the door for troubled governments in the short run, but with negative long-term consequences.”