Transparency & Accountability

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

The practice of including line staff in Senior level meetings has provided them with a level of Accountability and Transparency and has resulted in their understanding and acceptance of Department Policy & Procedure changes, as well as an understanding of cost saving measures, i.e., attendance, shift assignment, overtime reduction and the importance of data collection.Their understanding and adherence to the Department Policies and Procedures has led to a more dedicated work force which has resulted in a return of unused allocated funds to the Cook County Budget in FY 2011 and FY 2012 as follows:In FY 2011 an unencumbered balance of $1,542,422 for salaries and an unencumbered balance of $31,578 for overtime compensation (from the original $900,000 appropriation) was returned.In FY 2012 our original overtime appropriation was reduced to $596,550 from the $900,000 in FY 2011 (a reduction of $303,450 or 34%). Of that original appropriation of $596,550, we were able to return $33,387 or 6%.