Loudoun Progress

January 3, 2012

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ACTION ITEM BOARD MEMBER INITIATIVE

#8

SUBJECT: Loudoun County Government Reform Commission (LCGRC)

ELECTION DISTRICT: Countywide

CRITICAL ACTION DATE: At the pleasure of the Board

RECOMMENDATIONS: Chairman York recommends approval of this item.

Staff Contact: Robin Bartok, Staff Aide to Chairman York

BACKGROUND: Considering the unprecedented budgetary challenges facing Loudoun County and the increasing demand for core public services, County government must become more effective and efficient. All Loudoun residents, families and businesses have been impacted by the national recession and contend daily with its consequences. The realities of the current economic situation have forced tough and often painful financial choices by citizens, businesses and government alike. Loudoun’s citizens and businesses have had to reassess their necessities and priorities, and in many cases cut costs, eliminate spending, and get along with less. County government has had to do the same, but has not addressed this in a holistic manner other than through the annual budget exercise.

Citizens and businesses are entitled to a limited and cost-effective, efficient and results-driven County government. Revenues collected from Loudoun County taxpayers must be spent in the most efficient manner possible and deliver the best possible value. Those that provide government services have an obligation to ensure that these services meet the core mission and essential functions of government, while avoiding unnecessary cost, duplication, waste and bureaucracy. To ensure that Loudoun County Government provides the aforementioned core services utilizing the most cost-effective methods available and provides tangible value to taxpayers, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive, systematic and ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness and need for County government agencies and departments, governing bodies, programs and services, and for the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to institute appropriate recommendations.

For these reasons, the BOS should convene a Loudoun County Government Reform Commission (LCGRC) to focus on common-sense strategies and substantive recommendations for reducing costs, increasing efficiencies, identifying cost-effective and innovative ways to improve and deliver services, and saving taxpayer’s money. The purpose of the Commission is to provide the BOS with recommendations that will result in a leaner, more cost-effective and responsive County government.

Modeled after the commission of a similar name that Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell implemented at the outset of his Administration, the LCGRC is intended to generate actionable recommendations and a blueprint for streamlining County government and reducing costs.

The LCGRC should focus on the following key areas:

· Identify opportunities, by means of an audit or other means, for creating efficiencies in County government, including streamlining, consolidating, and/or eliminating duplicative and unnecessary services, programs, and regulations;

· Explore innovative ways to deliver County services at the lowest cost and best value to taxpayers;

· Seek out means to more effectively and efficiently perform core County government functions and concentrate on core mission-oriented service, including potential privatization of government operations where appropriate; and

· Examine ways for government to be more transparent, user friendly, and accountable to citizens.

IMPLEMENTATION: The BOS will appoint 13 members to the LCGRC, including its Chairman and Vice Chairman, all of whom will be residents of Loudoun County and serve at the pleasure of the BOS. The Chairman and District Supervisors will appoint one commissioner each and the BOS will appoint four commissioners at large. The LCGRC will include representation from the business, government, non-profit and community sectors, but not immediate past members of the BOS, nor individuals currently holding elected office or working for Loudoun County government. 
The LCGRC will submit periodic reports of its findings and recommendations to the BOS following the timetable below:

· January 17, 2012 – LCGRC appointed by the BOS

· February 2012 – First monthly meeting of the LCGRC

· June 19, 2012 – Preliminary Report on Work Plan

· November 20, 2012 – Interim Report on Acute and Actionable Recommendations

· June 18, 2013 – Final Report and Recommendations. By this time the BOS should be 
prepared to make a determination of whether the work of the LCGRC will be continued in one or more areas.

FISCAL IMPACT: The LCGRC will require staff support from Loudoun County government, to include the County Administrator and assigned staff, and will have incidental expenses associated with the implementation of its work not to exceed $5,000.

DRAFT MOTION(S):

Motion #1: I move that the Board of Supervisors establish a Loudoun County Government 
Reform Commission (LCGRC), as outlined in this item, consisting of thirteen members, including one commissioner from each District, one At-Large commissioner appointed by the Chairman, and four additional At-Large commissioners appointed by the Board as a whole, with a purpose and mandate as described in this Action Item.

Nominations: The following individuals will be nominated

1. Algonkian District – Phil Sandoe
2. Ashburn District – Scott Hamberger
3. Blue Ridge District – Mark Nelis
4. Broad Run District – Cliff Keirce
5. Catoctin District – Don Walker
6. Dulles District – Barbara Munsey
7. Leesburg District – Bob Gordon
8. Sterling District – Woody Turner
9. Chairman’s At Large – Tom Julia
10. At Large – James Rohrbaugh
11. At Large – John Whitbeck
12. At Large – Ken Glozer
13. At Large – Tanya Matthews

Motion #2: I move to suspend the rules

Motion #3: I move the confirmation of those individuals nominated to the Loudoun County Government Reform Commission and that Tom Julia be appointed to serve as its Chairman and Scott Hamberger be appointed to serve as its Vice Chairman.

ATTACHMENTS: None