A new take on an old problem
In the city of Toledo and in Lucas County, governmental bodies are having a difficult time figuring out how to effectively run their agencies given a continually shrinking tax base. This seems to be a similar situation that other municipalities are having across the country as well. I have heard numerous times as an employee, if you have any ideas on how to decrease costs, please share them. I have submitted several different ideas over the past year. I just thought of another one but since I am not at work, I thought I would share it here first.
Generally in business, and I assume in governments as well, as budgets are determined if the money that is allocated for that specific line item is not used, then next year that dollar amount will be reduced. The mentality is one of well if you didn’t use it Year 1 you won’t need it Year 2.
How about changing that mentality a bit? The money has been allocated. Consider it gone. If there is anything left over, it is a bonus. If a department works to not use all of that money, instead of taking it away next year, give a percentage of that unused money to the people who found ways to not spend it. Reward your workers for being proactive in watching day to day spending. Perhaps the split is 50% goes back to the main fund and 50% is split among those that worked to save the money.
Imagine a entire company, or city or county, working together toward the same goal. The best way to get that to happen is to feel like they are all on the same team. Not union vs. management but instead if we all do this, then we all win.
Just another thought. Something to ponder. Something to try. The old ways don’t seem to be working very well anyhow. Be daring. Take a chance. Try something new.
