Report of the Cost of Government Commission 2010-2011

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I B. Process and Procedures Followed by the COGC Early on, reviewing the prior Cost of Government reports issued in 2003 and 2007, and in discussion with current County employees, COGC members felt some concern about the commitment of County government to take its recommendation seriously. However, given the challenging environment, especially the fiscal restraints that the County now faces, it is hoped that the recommendations included in this report will receive a careful and thoughtful reading by the Mayor, members of the County Council, and the heads of all County departments. The COGC, which held 18 meetings over the course of eleven months to formulate this report, utilized a number of methods in its research. Surveys were developed and sent to all County employees. Departmental inquiries that focused on specific questions as well as requests for updated responses on actions recommended in previous COGC reports were also solicited. Interviews were conducted with various County employees, including Department heads and/or their designated representatives, employees, administrative and support staff, and affiliated members of the public. Various County documents and focused internet research were also helpful in formulating the basis for some of the interview questions as well as in preparing this report. Due to time constraints public input, although welcomed, was not directly solicited. Summary COGC Efforts: I Theme: Identify What Services the County is Responsible to Provide Overarching Policy Issues: Contracting Process Collection & Fees County Technology Plan Invited Department Heads, Corporation Counsel, and personnel who deal with these processes and procedures to speak with COGC Focus Areas (3 Subcommittees) Operations/Budget Revenue Enhancement Technology Adoption Recommendations and Collections and Consolidation • Analyzed Responses to Questionnaires and Conducted Interviews with Departments and Personnel r Actions Taken by Commission: • Provided a Questionnaire to County Agencies, Departments and Commissions via Letter Provided a Questionnaire to County Employees via Payroll Notice ,I • Logged and Categorized Responses to Questionnaires • Received Presentation from County Green Team • Analyzed Responses Regarding the Implementation Status &Adoption of 2007 COGC Recommendations i • Requested and Received Results from an Employee Survey that Dominic Yagong conducted in the Spring of 2009 • Received Presentations and Conducted Q&A with Specific Departments and County Administration Offices including a member from the Council and the Mayor 7