The City of Owen Sound expects its new Service Review Priority Opportunity Action Plan to make the most effective use of the municipality's financial and organizational resources.
The actions will result in direct and indirect savings of around $2 million over the course of Council's current term, or 10 per cent of the gross operating budget.
An Organizational Service Review was carried out last year by MNP Consulting (MNP), a third-party consultant that the City contracted using provincial grant money. MNP assessed the opportunities and challenges that exist and developed recommendations.
Council received the Action Plan this week, and considered the suggestions from MNP and their compatibility with ongoing programs. Councillors also identified additional proposals to ensure a continues cycle of improvement.
The three year action plan aims to improve organizational effectiveness, maximize service delivery, increase communication and clarity, prioritize core services and establish staffing capacity limitations.
“The Priority Opportunity Action Plan gives Council and staff a clear direction as we move forward," said Mayor Ian Boddy. "Our aim is always to offer our citizens and businesses the best and most efficient services possible. This plan identifies what needs to be done to continue to keep our annual tax levy as low as possible while positioning ourselves for the future growth of Owen Sound.”
