2011-04-27 Cost of Government Commission Agenda (2)

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Housing Cemeteries Cooperative Education Program CULTURE-RECREATION Community Music Organized Recreation Park Development and Maintenance DEBT SERVICE PENSION PAYMENTS & RETIREMENT SYSTEM CONTRICUTIONS HEALTH FUND MISCELLANEOUS Debt Service Worker’s Compensation Unemployment Compensation Contributions/Transfers to Other Funds Other One study published online minimalized counties’ scope of purpose as: welfare, social and economic development services. The services most provided by US county governments are: law enforcement, 911 service, and health clinic services. The two other more prominent services are economic development and land use planning. In some other US counties’ statements and studies it was stated that local governments needed to acknowledge a new paradigm to operate efficiently and responsibly, establish priorities, and that core functions and priorities should be properly funded and well managed. Programs that are ineffective or no longer necessary and could be eliminated should be phased out. The new paradigm is for County governments to provide human services and various assistance programs (a facilitative role), rather than developing programs to solve problems. The evolution, it is said, is due to the devolution and economic changes of the times. We understand that the policy of the county is to promote economy, efficiency and improved service in the transaction of the public business in the legislative and executive branches of the county by: 1. Limiting expenditures to the lowest amount consistent with the efficient performance of essential services, activities, and functions. 2. Eliminating duplication and overlapping of services, activities, and functions. 3. Consolidating services, activities, and functions of a similar nature. 4. Abolishing services, activities, and functions not necessary to the efficient conduct of government. 5