Commissioners Focused On Operational Improvements
Potter County Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and Paul Heimel have provided an update on the series of Operational Improvement Initiatives that were announced late last year:
Last week, the commissioners met with three representatives from the Pa. Dept. of Community and Economic Development to investigate applying for DCED’s “Strategic Management Planning Program.” Its goal is to create short- and long-term financial plans and to review management practices. State funding would cover much of the cost. Potter County last underwent a similar assessment in 2009, and much has changed over the past 13-plus years. County governments across Pennsylvania have found the DCED program to be of great value in budgeting, capital project planning, overall efficiency and many other areas of county operations.
Earlier, with the concurrence of the Potter County Jail Board, the commissioners partnered with the Pennsylvania Counties Risk Pool (PCoRP) to conduct a comprehensive risk management review of the county jail. Its purpose was to study operations, facilities, policies and procedures to pinpoint areas that might increase the risk of litigation or other adverse outcomes at the jail. An expert in the field of county corrections, laws that govern corrections and recent court rulings that affect jail operations completed that review and issued her findings. A committee of the Jail Board has prepared recommendations that are now being considered by the full board.
County officials also continue to review human resources policies at all offices and departments. Chief Clerk Jessica Giebel initially reviewed the county’s personnel policies and recommended changes to the commissioners. PCoRP consultants are now assessing the broader spectrum of issues. As with the risk management review of the jail, this assessment is also provided to the county at no charge, as a benefit of its PCoRP membership.