Meetings Steering Committee(Folders 1-2)

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These departments are located in various buildings throughout the downtown area. In addition to the Marion County Courthouse, county activities are conducted in the Senator, Franklin, Beri, and Ticor buildings. Space is also leased in the Equitable Building and Capitol Towers. Two other departments, Courts and Sheriff, are located downtown as well. We did not address these departments specifically as there were other committees charged with that responsibility. We did, however, look at how these departments miqht impact the downtown area. Population for Marion County is expected to increase between 27% and 56~ by the year 2013 according to various forecasts. Each department will grow in terms of staff based on factors that drive the work it undertakes. Departments that are expected to grow at a rate faster than population (using the mid-point of 41~) are -- District Attorney (63$), Legal Counsel (60%), and General Services (62%). These seem reasonable considering the increase in the number.of crimes that increased population will spawn, the growing litigious nature of our society and the likelihood of more county owned facilities that must be maintained. Seven departments will grow less than even the lowest population growth projections. Three factors will lead to limiting staff increases in spite of a significant increase in workload and citizen expectations. New technology is already being used by the county. For example, use of computers by assessors doing field work has reduced the time it takes to update assessments and has greatly increased the accuracy of the data being collected. The direct impact of this technology has decreased the need for additional staff while improving the service being provided. A GIS system is under development. It, too, will help a number of departments provide better services to the public. These are just two examples among many that are underway. The second area is the increasing use of volunteers. A network of volunteers in many departments expands the ability to help Marion County meet its strategic plan for providing the citizens of this county with the service it deserves. A small increase in the Board of Commissioners' staff provides for the coordination of numerous volunteer efforts. Finally, county departments are finding ways to maximize service by joint efforts with other governmental units. The Public Works Department provides roadway striping services to other counties. By doing this, the other counties get a higher quality of striping and Marion County gets better equipment and better utilization of its staff. As time goes on, the departments will continue to seek more efficient and cost effective ways to conduct their business. -2-