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Brian Adey
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Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo today announced a series of steps to review and improve operational accountability within county government.

"Every nickel we spend is a nickel our taxpayers give us to spend wisely," Griffo said. "My experience in government has taught me that when we tighten up on all of the small things, we find money we can use to help us limit county property tax increases. This review will also help us update policies and procedures so that we can streamline operations and increase efficiency."

Griffo has named Budget Director Thomas B. Keeler, Labor Relations Director John P. Talerico and Workforce Development Director David L. Mathis to lead the effort. Major areas of the panel’s work include:

Paperwork reduction through increased implementation of e-government. "E-government is the wave of the future," Griffo said. "We need to look at ways to reduce the use of paper for our standard forms and work with state government to change regulations that may require us to make multiple copies of documents. The piles of paper we generate cost taxpayers money. We can and will reduce this." Griffo said this will be accompanied by a review of copiers, fax machines and printers that may lead to centralized "print stations" to increase efficiency.

Creating an efficient contract management database. "Since I took office, I have seen instances where our Board of Legislators did not receive contracts in time for a sufficient review," Griffo said, noting that effective contract reviews are an important part of ensuring fiscal accountability. "We need a more efficient way to perform necessary reviews. Through this process, we will develop one."

Creation of an accident review panel. "When employees drive county-owned vehicles, we are at substantial risk. To reduce that risk, we need to thoroughly investigate accidents with county-owned vehicles and check driving records of employees assigned to drive these vehicles," Griffo said. "We do not want drivers with troubled records putting taxpayers’ money at risk." Griffo said the panel is expected to include representatives from the Department of Public Works, Oneida County Sheriff’s Department, Social Services Department, Traffic Safety Department and Legal Department. "Our risk management efforts can become more aggressive," he said. "This is one way to take action that reduces risk and can save money through a reduction in accidents."

Cost savings through a reduction in money spent on publications, subscriptions and affiliations. "We’ve already begun cutting down in these areas," Griffo said. "We must separate what we want from what we need, and only spend what is necessary. Through this step, and our continuing efforts to reduce costs in the areas of cell phones and county-owned vehicles, we will cut costs without cutting needed services. Spending that neither delivers services or generates revenue is a luxury our taxpayers cannot afford."

Standardization of timesheets. "Small things can mean a lot," Griffo said. "I think our employees should be recording their hours worked as a fundamental measure of accountability. The Department of Social Services, the county’s largest department, has been using a model system of timesheets that we should use countywide as a measure of increased accountability to our taxpayers for the money they give us to provide services."

"My goal is to continually improve operations to reduce costs in every way possible and increase accountability for the tax dollars we receive without impacting the services our county residents receive," Griffo said. "Any dollars we are able to save help our county residents by limiting property tax increases and help our county employees by reducing the potential of layoffs. Achieving greater efficiency is a win for everyone."