Report of the Cost of Government Commission 2010-2011

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i s grants. A County Grant Specialist would also be able to foster intra-department partnerships and private sector collaborations that could leverage the County's chances of receiving funds and expand the scope of projects. Adding such a position has the potential of increasing the County's annual funding significantly. 4. Develop and implement a County-wide technology management plan. Justification: A comprehensive IT Strategic Plan will allow the County to be more productive and efficient in completing tasks expected of local government, avoid duplication of services within and between County departments, and increase the ability of County departments to communicate online. Redesign of the County website would allow it to be more user friendly for both internal County departments and the public. The plan should identify ways to save money through computer and printer leasing and networking. The plan should focus on ways to use all types of informational technologies, including Laserfiche and Video Conferencing, to gain efficiency in document management, reduce the physical storage of paper documents, and save the cost of travel for County employees. Other technologies such as GPS vehicle tracking could be considered to ensure efficient use of County fleet vehicles. 5. Review the internal process of procurement as to reduce change orders, facilitate contract renewals and speed up contract processing. Utilize technology such as electronic signatures, electronic distribution, and online approvals to increase efficiency. Justification: Change orders and delays in contract processing cost the County money. In addition, the current system makes it difficult for vendors and the awarding departments to track and renew their contracts in a timely manner. By modernizing the processes the County uses in its procurement efforts cost savings would be realized. i 6. Increase the annual renewal fee to commercial solid waste haulers from the current$25 and require all haulers to be current on their solid waste accounts to reduce delinquencies. Implementing software solutions to coordinate collection of tipping fees at the scale house will reduce delinquencies and ensure accounting systems are able to read the data. Justification: Currently there are a large number of delinquencies among the solid waste haulers which can be remedied with a coordinated software system at the scale houses that allows immediate access to accounting data. Implementing the requirement that annual renewal fees for commercial solid waste hauler permits be issued only if the hauler's account is in good standing would allow the department an opportunity to collect delinquent fees. Increasing the annual renewal permit fee would help fund operations at j the landfill. i 7. Review the process for qualifying agricultural property tax benefits through the agriculture use and dedication programs and require financial documentation to verify and substantiate agricultural activity. Fine and/or revoke exemptions for violators. 3