County Council looking for ways to improve systems, processes
Hamilton County has hired KPMG to conduct efficiency studies of each Hamilton County governmental office and department. The effort is being led by county councilors Ken Alexander, Amy Massillamany, and Fred Glynn, as well as Mark Heirbrandt, president of the Hamilton County Commissioners.
“We’re looking at efficiencies within the county at a department level,” Glynn said. “Do we have enough space? How efficient are our operations? How can we better support our departments and be the best stewards of the taxpayers’ money?”
Alexander
Glynn
The Hamilton County Council, the county’s fiscal body, is responsible for adopting the annual budget each year. Alexander says a deeper dive into the efficiencies of each department will help it better determine funding priorities.
“This process will provide us with data to make better decisions and provide our departments with valuable information to plan for our future,” Alexander said. “The final report will provide detailed recommendations and specific action steps to ensure a sustainable future for county government.”
The first departments to be reviewed will be the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, Community Corrections, and Probation. Sheriff Dennis Quakenbush has a Masters of Business Administration and volunteered his department to go first.
Quakenbush
“Stewarding taxpayer resources by applying strategic planning, including financial planning and continuous quality improvement methods is one of our primary goals,” Quakenbush said. “I’m proud to work with a group of elected officials who support public safety and are unified in trying to provide the best quality service to keep our community safe.”
KPMG will look at each department’s operations and finances, specifically its organizational chart, staffing assignments, attrition, and overtime as well as technology, dispatch, and fleet maintenance. A financial review will also evaluate the office’s budget, expenditures, and revenue streams. A final report is expected in late October.
KPMG has done similar work with other counties throughout Indiana and across the nation. It will employ subject experts in everything from community corrections to public safety to assist in the project.