title
Motion expressing the Sense of Council of Allegheny County requesting the County Controller to undertake an assessment of the operations of the Independent County Offices and make recommendations as to economies and efficiencies that can be achieved if operations of various offices were merged and automated. The assessment should also estimate staffing levels and budgets necessary for a more efficient operation.
body
WHEREAS, the earliest opportunity for amendment of the Allegheny County Home Rule Charter will be by referendum at the Municipal Primary Election held in May of 2005; and
WHEREAS, in preparation for that opportunity, proposals for “Row Office Reform” have begun to be introduced that call for the elimination or consolidation of many Independent County Offices; and
WHEREAS, County Council has established a Special Committee on Government Reform to allow an opportunity to investigate and recommend proposals for the full Council's consideration; and
WHEREAS, such investigation needs to include reliable information as to the work and jobs that are being done in the existing offices and where mergers or consolidations may be appropriate or needed; and
WHEREAS, the County Controller is intimately involved in reviewing the finances of the County and has the staff and expertise to conduct an assessment of the Independent County Offices and make recommendations as to appropriate changes.
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, AND IT IS THE SENSE OF THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, that the County Controller is requested to undertake an assessment of the operations of the Independent County Offices and make recommendations as to economies and efficiencies that can be achieved if operations of various offices were merged and automated. The assessment should also estimate staffing levels and budgets necessary for a more efficient operation.
BE IT FURTHER MOVED that, if appropriate, an assessment of the Office of County Controller will be conducted by an independent, third-party in order to insure the impartiality of the analysis and recommendations.