Press Release - Results Released of Osoyoos Town Council Independent Review of Town Structure and Operations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Printable Version 

In the fall of 2010, the Osoyoos Town Council ordered an independent review of the Town’s structure and operations to ensure that its organizational operations, staffing and financial arrangements were as efficient and effective as possible. 

“The last evaluation of the Town’s administrative structure and functions was conducted in 1992,” noted Osoyoos Mayor Stu Wells. Third-party review of municipal operations provides the most unbiased and professional assessments and recommendations to Council and the Chief Administrative Officer.  

Vancouver-based Helios Consulting was hired to conduct the review in late 2010. The review included identifying which town business activities were compulsory and which were discretionary; examining the organizational structure and staffing level for the Town administration to meet current and future community needs; developing a staff succession plan to deal with future retirements; and the creation of financial planning strategies to achieve needed capital and operational improvements.  

The process incorporated five major components: a series of in person interviews with staff and Council; an internal review of operational structure, staffing levels, supervision, volumes and nature of specific work activities, department interaction to achieve town goals and deliver town services and a staff satisfaction survey; a external review using resident satisfaction survey results coupled with benching information from four other communities with similar tourism levels or populations; consideration of future development of the community; and a financial and succession analysis.  

Initial findings provided by Helios resulted in the following actions of note. No positions will be eliminated as a result of the review. Although some shift in responsibilities is required, Council is confident that current staff hold the appropriate skills to make this happen. A series of new strategic planning and human resource management tools will be introduced. New processes will be developed to ensure contract or services are best value for dollar. Finally, in the future, thirty-two opportunities for service improvement will be reviewed and implemented, ensuring minimal operational impact.  

Unanimously, Mayor and Council agree that the organizational review was a very worthwhile exercise. It allowed Council to identify key areas of change in order to effectively position the community for the future. The resulting plan will direct management to implement changes in the years to come.  

Although the process was taxing on staff and Council as they awaited results, Councillor Margaret Chadsey, Councillor Ted Cronmiller and Councillor CJ Rhodes noted that they absolutely supported the need for the review. “I hope that future Councils don’t wait another eighteen years to conduct a similar review;” mentioned Chadsey. “Ideally it should be done every five years.” Rhodes added that he “maintained a high level of sensitivity to the human impact and was happy to see that no job loss will result.” Cronmiller added, “Although change is difficult, the results will offer us opportunities to make effective changes within the organization, Town administrations and public works.”  

“We are pleased that we have identified areas where we can deliver the Town services more efficiently. The reorganization will get under way shortly, but no timeline has yet been set,” said Wells.  

“The organizational review was a timely and valuable examination of our town’s operations,” said Councillor Michael Ryan. “It validated many of Council’s perceptions and also provided a different perspective on others. More importantly, the review provides strategic directions to enable the Town to provide more efficient and cost-effective services to our community.”  

Detailed results of the independent organizational review conducted by Helios Consulting will be released to the public in late March. The total cost of the review was $34,000. 

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Stu Wells, Mayor                                          Barry Romanko, CAO
Town of Osoyoos                                         Town of Osoyoos
250.495.6515                                              250.495.6515
swells@osoyoos.ca                                      bromanko@osoyoos.ca 

The Town of Osoyoos is a vibrant community of approximately 5,000 people at the crossroads of Highways 3 and 97 in the South Okanagan Valley, near the U.S. border. It has a unique desert environment, the nation’s warmest lake and climate, and is home to thriving fruit orchards, vineyards, wineries, golf courses, year-round tourism facilities, and many small businesses. Osoyoos offers “Canada’s warmest welcome”.

Additional Information for Media
Key findings of the assessment: 

• Management/organizational structure- current number of managers is appropriate to oversee the Town; however, organizational realignment is recommended to improve service effectiveness and efficiency.
• Leadership- elements of organizational leadership need to be addressed and leadership assessment systems improved to contemporary human resource management standards. 
• Financial and budgeting practices- standard financial practices are in-line with best practice. Improvements can be made in financial analysis and procurement oversight. 
• Contractor oversight- improvements in this area will lead to better value and transparency in contractor procurement. 
• Strategic management tools- new and progressive management tools in strategic planning, corporate performance reporting and human resources management are all required to advance Town management capabilities. 
• Succession planning- nine positions have been identified for succession planning. 
• Service Improvement opportunities- 32 opportunities to improve service have been identified for the various operational areas.