Public Policy
The next public outrage may be coming!
(Originalally authored May 2008 By: John Burdin)
In the Public Sector many of the same issues that private sector entities have are present. They include but are not limited to a proper execution of policies and procedures to employer/employee relations which yield the desired results .
At JWB Interest we often focus on productivity in the work place, and how this will benefit everyone involved. Management strategies and techniques that are effective, stimulating and consistent with the mission and authority established. Behavioral attitudes and influences are generally improved in a positive manner.
In recent years, an area of tremendous interest and is of great concern to both governmental entities, and the electorate are budgetary constraints. How do provided services, taxes, employees and the bodies elected to deal with these issues, make decisions that are in everyone’s best interest?
In the past, with revenues not generally the problem they have become today, almost all governmental bodies seemed to spend everything they were budgeted. This was, and still is the best way to receive additional funding in the next physical year. As revenues grew, expenditures grew and few governmental bodies wanted to make plans for a “rainy day fund” or plan for a reduction in revenues. One primary reason is that the governmental budgeting process is a static program. There is little or no planning for changes in the future including changes in revenue, expenses and equally important – changes in human behavior.
Now that most municipal, county and state governmental bodies revenues are dramatically reduced, they have become painted into a box. Salaries, benefits and retirement programs are now out of control and becoming more scrutinized. No one wants to lay-off or terminate employees or reduce benefits. So, the only alternative is to increase taxes and or user fees (a tax). This is too often and improperly characterized as the only alternative unless “we want to lay-off teachers, police and firefighters”. This may be partially true, but the reality is that most governmental entities at all levels are still over staffed.
At JWB Interest we often focus on productivity in the work place, and how this will benefit everyone involved. Management strategies and techniques that are effective, stimulating and consistent with the mission and authority established. Behavioral attitudes and influences are generally improved in a positive manner.
In recent years, an area of tremendous interest and is of great concern to both governmental entities, and the electorate are budgetary constraints. How do provided services, taxes, employees and the bodies elected to deal with these issues, make decisions that are in everyone’s best interest?
In the past, with revenues not generally the problem they have become today, almost all governmental bodies seemed to spend everything they were budgeted. This was, and still is the best way to receive additional funding in the next physical year. As revenues grew, expenditures grew and few governmental bodies wanted to make plans for a “rainy day fund” or plan for a reduction in revenues. One primary reason is that the governmental budgeting process is a static program. There is little or no planning for changes in the future including changes in revenue, expenses and equally important – changes in human behavior.
Now that most municipal, county and state governmental bodies revenues are dramatically reduced, they have become painted into a box. Salaries, benefits and retirement programs are now out of control and becoming more scrutinized. No one wants to lay-off or terminate employees or reduce benefits. So, the only alternative is to increase taxes and or user fees (a tax). This is too often and improperly characterized as the only alternative unless “we want to lay-off teachers, police and firefighters”. This may be partially true, but the reality is that most governmental entities at all levels are still over staffed.
The current situation is not being met with approval by the electorate. Hence the next big populous outrage is on our door step.
Voters are going to rail against public employees, and the bodies that control the policies which dictate provided services and taxes.
As an elected official, administrator or manager, wouldn’t you like for the employees who work for you to come to work every day with a great attitude, and free from the “slings and arrows” that are coming, sooner rather than later. Wouldn’t you like for your employees to be looked on as productive pieces of a governmental work force, rather than an excuse for higher taxes. Wouldn’t it be a great thing to have the electorate heap praises on your decisions instead of insults and seek retribution?
There are some reasonable and remarkably simple answers and alternatives to many of these issues that will not only solve much of the current and impending problem, but at the same time regain the public trust in our governmental bodies, and how they conduct business.
If followed, these policies will greatly improve employee efficiencies and productivity, give all employees a greater since of purpose and create a dramatically improved relationship between community and government.
JWB Interest will answer your questions! We will make recommendations about how to recreate your governmental workforce into a force that creates benefits for everyone.
Voters are going to rail against public employees, and the bodies that control the policies which dictate provided services and taxes.
As an elected official, administrator or manager, wouldn’t you like for the employees who work for you to come to work every day with a great attitude, and free from the “slings and arrows” that are coming, sooner rather than later. Wouldn’t you like for your employees to be looked on as productive pieces of a governmental work force, rather than an excuse for higher taxes. Wouldn’t it be a great thing to have the electorate heap praises on your decisions instead of insults and seek retribution?
There are some reasonable and remarkably simple answers and alternatives to many of these issues that will not only solve much of the current and impending problem, but at the same time regain the public trust in our governmental bodies, and how they conduct business.
If followed, these policies will greatly improve employee efficiencies and productivity, give all employees a greater since of purpose and create a dramatically improved relationship between community and government.
JWB Interest will answer your questions! We will make recommendations about how to recreate your governmental workforce into a force that creates benefits for everyone.
Now we are five years later and where is the change ?????
Management Advisor Marketing Advisor Business Communications
JWB Interest, LLC 2013 All Rights Reserve
