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7 <br /> b) The Committee recommends a focus and approach which is comprehensive and in- <br /> depth. Evaluations should be conducted outside of the budget process to allow <br /> ample study time and focus. Because of the comprehensive nature of the evaluation <br /> process, it is recommended that it be scheduled on a priority basis by the County <br /> Manager for areas to be given this special and unique focus, rather than being <br /> scheduled in each department every year. <br /> c) The Committee recommends that the County use a model for this evaluation which <br /> includes the following elements: <br /> • Use of an in-house evaluation team designated by the County Manager, <br /> which includes staff at the Assistant Manager and Department Head level. <br /> • Involvement of affected departments in the process. <br /> • Openness to new ideas and identifying and exploring options. <br /> d) The recommended model is as follows: <br /> 1) Identify Services for Evaluation - The County Manager, in consultation <br /> with department heads, should identify a priority list of operations and <br /> resource requests for evaluation. In this, priority should be given to those <br /> areas which have the greatest potential for cost savings and better efficiency. <br /> 2) Develop a clear statement of the Services and Benefit -The service should <br /> be stated in clear, concise terms, defining what the service is; what <br /> resources are used to provide the service; and, who benefits from the <br /> service. The statement should identify whether the service is mandated. <br /> 3) Evaluate the Services - The following questions should be asked as each <br /> service is reviewed: <br /> a) Does any other agency, department, or government in the <br /> community provide the same or similar service? <br /> b) Are fees charged which could offset the cost of the service? If so, are <br /> the fees covering the cost of the service? <br /> c) If the service was discontinued, what would be the impact and to <br /> whom? <br /> d) How can automation be integrated to provide the service more <br /> efficiently? Identify any one-time or up-front costs of automating a <br /> service/process and identify the time necessary to pay-back the initial <br /> investment. <br /> e) Can organizational changes be implemented for more efficient <br /> operations? That is, can services be centralized or decentralized <br /> across program or departmental lines? <br /> f) Is all the work being done necessary? Can any aspect of providing <br /> the service be eliminated? If so, what are the consequences? <br /> 5 <br />