Getting Fit in 2010

My New Year's Resolution this year is to lose weight and get in better shape. In my motivational conversations with myself I refer to it as "Getting Fit in 2010."

I recently realized that we are doing this at Doña Ana County , too.

On Tuesday, Jan. 5, the county held its first strategic-planning meeting. It was the first time in recent history that the commissioners sat shoulder to shoulder with upper-level management to talk about our priorities.

At this meeting, we prioritized the list of non-mandated projects in the county. We then developed commission goals for staff. Department heads are currently taking these goals and developing department-level goals and objectives.

There were 6 commission goals:
1. Develop revenue streams
2. Develop community partnerships
3. Identify ways to invest in staff and resources
4. Increase organizational efficiencies
5. Set up a process for following-through
6. Continue to preserve and enhance the health and public safety of the communities we represent

These goals are meant to help the county continue providing excellent services while addressing a shortage in gross-receipts tax. The ultimate long-term outcome will be that you have a county government that provides quality services for the least possible amount of taxes.

Another step in getting fit is an independent review of each department. In 2009, the commission was tasked with fixing internal issues in the Health and Human Services Department. We contracted an organizational specialist to help us.

As a result of this review - and its positive results - we have decided to expand it county-wide. Each department's organization will be independently reviewed to determine if there are more efficient ways to accomplish its goals.

Together, the strategic planning process and the organizational review constitute an internal renewal that we have never before seen in Doña Ana County . The results of this process will be a more efficient organization that continues to provide quality services even when the economic times are tough. I am hopeful that seeing this through will continue to inspire me to fulfill my individual goal of getting fit in 2010.