Suggestions to Assist in Reduced Spending

About the Program

Category: Financial Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

In 2008, Camden County launched the Shining STARS Program (Suggestions to Assist in Reduced Spending). The STARS Program incorporates two aspects of their recently adopted Strategic Plan; Fiscal Sustainability and Organizational Excellence. In a time when budgetary constraints are affecting local governments all over the nation, Camden County has placed a significant emphasis on pursuing innovative revenue sources as well as attempting to keep employee morale high during a time when departmental budgets are being tightened. The concept of the STARS Program is rather simple. It encompasses both of these areas by recognizing employees who have novel ideas to reduce spending. Realizing the value of each and every Board of Commissioners employee and understanding that ideas regarding best practices most often come from those who are working “in the field” each and every day, the STARS Program was developed to recognize those employees who think outside the box, who understand that just because “this is how it’s always been done” does not mean it cannot be improved on in some fashion. The STARS Program recognizes and rewards employees who submit suggestions that enhance productivity, cut costs, or improve the operations of County government. The STARS committee gathers and reviews the applications and determines if the suggestion does in fact meet the requirements of the Program. After this process is complete, and if the suggestion is determined to be valid, the employee is recognized and rewarded based upon whether or not the outcome enhances productivity, cuts costs, or improves the operations of County government. Maintaining high employee morale often comes with a feeling of belonging and value and the STARS Program emphasizes the fact that every employee has the ability to make a difference.