What reorganizing county government means for you
Your county government works to provide the highest quality customer service possible in a timely, efficient, courteous manner. Our goals are to uphold this mission, make transitions seamless and avoid interruption to residents’ services. One recent transition is the county’s reorganization, effective July 2016. The purpose of the reorganization is to provide more effective and efficient government services to residents.
The reorganization unified divisions with similar roles and missions to create a simplified, more resident-friendly county government. As a result, several divisions moved to new or different departments. The reorganization created the new Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, which brings together three leisure-related divisions. The Capital Services Division is now within the Department of Public Works. This change will improve staff’s ability to work together on capital projects; coordinate with engineers, contractors and regulatory authorities; and provide safe infrastructure for the community. Additionally, the Transportation Division relocated to the Department of Planning and Growth Management. The adjustment will allow for better coordination of public transit services alongside long-range transportation projects.
By integrating divisions with similar functions, we are working to eliminate duplication of services. Several divisions physically moved to new locations to enhance customer service. One example is the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism. Prior to the reorganization, the Parks Division and Recreation Division were separate from the Tourism Division. The reorganization moved these divisions into the same building, which now serves as a one-stop shop for all your leisure needs.
Another benefit of consolidating services is clarity when residents have questions. It is county government’s goal to be accessible, but this can be difficult when divisions performing related functions are separate. Combining divisions with similar services mean fewer phone numbers to call and offices to visit for assistance. Closer proximity allows divisions with interconnected functions to work together more cohesively, and quickly and accurately answer residents’ questions. In addition to consolidating services, the reorganization sought to bring our structure in line with other jurisdictions of similar size and service scope. Using other counties as a guide allows county government to learn from other counties’ successes and shortcomings to better serve our residents.
The reorganization was a thoughtful process with consideration to the residents, staff structure and the commissioners’ short- and long-range goals. It was determined the reorganization was the best way to fulfill these needs. These changes set the foundation for a more effective and efficient county government for our residents now and in years to come. We encourage you to visit our website at www. CharlesCountyMD.gov to learn more about the reorganization and how your county government is working for you.