April 14, 2008
The Efficiency Review - requested info still not in
In a letter posted to this site April 1, the Efficiency Review consultants explained 1) that they were not able to proceed with their analysis until several city departments and city council representatives provided information on what they deem to be ‘core’ vs. ‘desired’ levels of service, and 2) that they were told all necessary information would be provided to them within two weeks. As of this morning: the consultants have received the required information from all city departments except the police department (which is said to be working on same), and they have received no additional core service questionnaires from city council members (only two of the council representatives have submit the requested questionnaires).
Personally, while I can appreciate that folks are busy and might need a bit of an extended deadline, that members of council would drag heels to this extent really causes some brow wrinkling in view of the fact that they themselves not only spoke (eloquently, compellingly) to the need for such an analysis, but also approved the expenditure of funds to be used for same. So they finance a study but sit on the paperwork necessary to realize the study?
The mayor has indicated that the public is to speak its mind as to our priorities with respect to the allocation of funds.
I for one would like to see that this review be completed, so that the funds aren’t merely tossed out the window, a luxury this city can little afford.
Good points, brenda.
Unfortuantely, governments often find it sufficient to do things that make it APPEAR like they are doing something “bring in the consultants!” rather than actually DOING some of the things that need to be done.
Sometimes, it is because they know they don’t have the MONEY to do what they know they need to do, but they have enough money to waste on a consultant so it at least they appear to be doing “something.”
Sorry for the negativity, but this is often, though not always, the case.
The silver lining is often a good consultant can find some low cost changes that really pay dividends.
Yes, I should have pointed out that the analysis, when completed, may actually be helpful in the city extracting more value out of their finite resources (using private sector parlance.)