2005 News

April 20, 2005
COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCE FORMATION OF "BEST" STEERING COMMITTEE
Quality, Commitment, Customer Focus Emphasized as Work Begins

The commissioners announced Wednesday, April 20 the formal establishment of the Bucks Employees Saving Taxes (BEST) Steering Committee, a seven-member team chaired by Finance Division Leader Brian Hessenthaler and comprised of members from across county departments including administration, courts and row offices. Hessenthaler has been charged with making recommendations for cost reductions, cost containments, improved efficiencies and revenue enhancements such as maximization of available grants, across all levels of county government.

"An important component of this committee is that it represents a cross-section of all stakeholders in county government," noted Chairman Charles Martin. "The composition of the committee includes representation from the administration, the courts and row offices." The chairman added that the committee will also enlist the help of an external advisory council, patterned after the previous CORE committee, which will be discussed during initial meetings.

Hessenthaler's direction to the group, which reports to the COO and ultimately the commissioners, is to assume nothing is off limits. "I want this group to think of themselves as innovators," he offered. "If we are going to bring positive changes to the way in which we do business, we need to think out of the proverbial box. We will look into ways to cut and/or contain costs, but at the same time we will aggressively explore ways to increase efficiencies through process re-design."

Commissioner Jim Cawley is enthusiastic about the project. "I look forward to hearing the BEST Steering Committee's recommendations. This group is proceeding with our Bucks County taxpayers first and foremost in their minds. There is no limit to the positive effects they can achieve."

Commissioner Sandra Miller notes, "BEST will build upon the original concept of CORE (an external review committee) by engaging and empowering our employees to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit and ideas for the betterment of Bucks County taxpayers." She emphasized that the external advisory board component will round out those efforts ensuring an all-inclusive look.

The committee is comprised of Finance Director Brian Hessenthaler, Chair, Emergency Services Director John Dougherty, Courts' Fiscal Analyst Jim Fowkes, Prothonotary Pat Bachtle, Public Health Administrator Gordian Ehrlacher, Deputy Controller Kim Doran and Quality Assurance Administrator Richard Manna.

One of the first steps the group will take is to solicit suggestions and information from division leaders and department heads. Part of that process will involve those leaders tapping the resources in each respective department to maximize participation from all employees. "The intent here is to reach into the organization for the subject matter experts with the most knowledge of their respective job functions," Hessenthaler stated.

An internal e-mailbox has been established for employee input and suggestion boxes will be posted around various county buildings as well.

The timing is perfect for this kick-off, as first-quarter financial figures will soon be available to review as part of the process. "On the heels of April 15, everyone is more conscious of the need for governments to be more cost efficient," said Chief Operating Officer David Sanko.