Over the next few months, Norfolk County says they will be implementing a plan to become a more efficient and innovative organization.
A release from the County explains that they plan to re-align several departments and shrink its physical footprint.
They believe this will allow them to offer more efficient service to the community and become more financially sustainable.
Their plan would include a remote work strategy that will see many staff working at least part of the week from home.
Other changes would see staff moving from their current location to be with staff in areas that share common service goals.
The belief is that this will foster increased collaboration and innovation.
Changes will also be made to the County’s internal reporting structures in key areas to allow the County to “better respond to the needs of the community.”
They add that there was strong support for consolidating County operations in the 2021 budget engagement survey.
Details of the plan will be presented to Council on Oct. 13.
Some of the changes expected to take place (in stages) over the coming months include:
● The re-alignment of various departments to create new teams with existing staff. Some examples are:
One dedicated to public works and community operational activities (i.e. grass cutting, snow plowing, park maintenance)
One focused on the strategic management of capital projects and assets (i.e. engineering, environmental services)
One team focused on creating complete communities (planning, building, recreation and culture).
● The permanent establishment of a centralized customer service program, eliminating the need for the public to call or visit multiple staff or facilities for municipal services
● The moving of many staff teams, including the relocation of the Fire Department headquarters and Paramedic Services headquarters from Simcoe to the Delhi Administration Building (the Simcoe fire station and paramedic base will remain)
● County staff permanently moving out of the Langton Administration Building and the Simcoe Adult Community Centre