2015-01-15 Cost of Government Commission Agenda

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K. Reinstate in 2015 -16 department operating budget, a line item to make phased purchases of "Blue & Whites" to replace current aging fleet. L. Urge County Council to increase the current County fuel tax of 8.8 cents /gallon, to a level commensurate with other Counties, for purpose of increasing funding available to repave roads in a timely manner. M. To promote transparency in County government, recommend that each County department make public in a user - friendly format on a regular basis the professional audits, reviews and plans that assess, guide and steer County government debate and course of action. An example is the federally mandated 20 -year transportation plan that does not appear in public debate and County officials seem unaware of. Likely, officials and the public are unclear or unaware of such research -based plans, reviews and assessments that can support debate and decision - making. N. Highlight specific recommendations from the 2010 -2011 Report of the Cost of Government Commission that the County has implemented. O. Recommend the Cost of Government Commission be convened annually as opposed to every four years. P. List of top ten County projects /initiatives that could impact the budget (i.e., LED street lights, possible waste to energy and more renewable energy projects). Q. For the Introduction section of the final report, state the challenges the community faced. R. Develop a Countywide policy and plan to convert County vehicles to biodiesel wherever possible using a local producer, which will contribute to a diversified economy, sustainability for local agriculture through cultivation of biodiesel- related crops. (12 /4/14 meeting minutes, pg 10, BJ Leithead -Todd presentation) S. Automate internal forms, such as time cards by implementing an a -time sheet system that allows the timesheet to pass electronically from employee through management to other departments could save hours of labor involved in current manual system. (Comm. 2014 -081, Don Jacobs, Information Technology, 4/14/14) T. Expand use of electronic signatures countywide as a secure and valid means of authorization to save money in paper, copying, handling and maintaining paper documentation where it is not needed. (Comm. 2014- 081 Don Jacobs, Information Technology, 4/14/14) U. Accept credit cards to complete transactions currently requiring "in person" counter payments of cash or check, such as licenses, taxes and renewals. (Comm. 2014 -081, Don Jacobs, Information Technology, 4/14/14) 4