Improving Our Level of Service

By Paul McDonnell

Improving Our Level of Service is a challenge we face in an era of limited resources.

The manner in which resources are deployed and the "attitude" of public employees are critical elements as well. In fact, the reluctance to dedicate additional funding to particular areas of government is often the result of the impression that government is inefficient and that its employees are insensitive to the public. Therefore, future funding increases are dependent upon earning and then maintaining the public's confidence that its money is well spent and that our employees are solid professionals concerned about the needs of the citizenry.

There are a number of steps we can take to improve how we do our jobs and our interactions with the public. First and foremeost, is to keep the needs of our "customers" in mind. We can constantly look for ways to be more efficient or ways to make things simpler for the public. As we realize savings in certain areas of operation we can invest those savings in system improvements. Expanding our technology base to provide greater public acccess is critical.

Maintaining the positive attitude of our employees is essential. Compensation is only part of the equation. I truly believe that most of our employees are committed to serving the public and will respond positively to changes which improve their ability to meet that goal.

Meeting the public's demand for service on a limited budget is clearly a challenge, but by making progress towards that goal we can build the basis for adddtional resources.