Agency embracing reorganization plan
As the state’s first established agency and one that has played a major role in Oklahoma’s key economic sectors since inception, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission is no stranger to challenges.
But as Will Rogers wisely observed, “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” That’s why the OCC is moving forward with a top-down reorganization, the result of work that started years ago.
Briefly, this work has included development of a new strategic plan, the use of embedded auditors from the state auditor’s office, and working with business process experts at the Office of Management and Enterprise Services as well as stakeholders to develop new efficiencies and practices. None of this work is considered final, but is instead part of an ongoing process to address the constant changes in the economic and environmental sectors for which the OCC is responsible.
The latest resulting changes: As of July 1, the number of our divisions has been reduced from eight to five. The OCC’s court and legal divisions have been combined and reorganized to make the system more efficient and eliminate unnecessary delays in cases while continuing to ensure due process. Administration has been restructured to, among other things, improve cost tracking and the budget process. The OCC’s information technology functions have been transitioned to OMES, and with its help a new data management system will be developed that will give stakeholders and the general public much-needed improved access to essential data, as well as offer efficiency gains and lower costs for stakeholders.
Even a partial list of the OCC’s duties is daunting: Reducing earthquake risk, ensuring reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protecting land and water while enabling the beneficial production of Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas resources; providing consumer protection and safety at the gas pump; protecting motorists and roads from overweight and/or uninsured trucks; implementing rail crossing safety; overseeing funding for broadband service to schools, libraries and medical facilities as well as for low income phone service; ensuring legal operation of moving companies, taxis, limos, and services such as Uber; remediating water and land damaged by leaking underground fuel storage tanks; and the list goes on.
While the workload and numbers are impressive, they don’t tell the whole story. The work done here has a direct impact on critical funding for public schools, roads, and bridges, earthquake rates, our land and water, the jobs of thousands of Oklahomans and the economy as a whole.
The work is there, the money is not. The OCC has seen its budget cut drastically since 2014, while its mandated list of responsibilities has grown. We’re proud of a staff willing to do whatever it takes to move forward, even when it means doubling up on job responsibilities. We will continue to work with all willing parties to build on the agency’s long tradition of meeting challenges and fulfilling the Corporation Commission’s constitutional duties in our service to Oklahomans.
Anthony, Murphy and Hiett are the Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners.