Efforts to discover and implement cost saving initiatives in Monroe County operations will be expanded, County Executive Jack Doyle stated in a press release. The current effort, called Operation Transform, has already generated $18 million in savings through its reforms within the Department of Human and Health Services. The Blue Ribbon Commission on Monroe County Finances has previously called on the administration to expand the effort across all county departments, Doyle's release stated.

"The fact is we have made great strides in reforming the delivery of social services while saving taxpayers millions of dollars," said Doyle. "This new proposal will bring that type of innovative thinking to bear across county operations. An idea that the Blue Ribbon Commission has said we should implement."

The new effort would focus on identifying information technology improvements that will help the county reduce costs while maintaining or improving services. The Blue Ribbon Commission also cited IT improvements as a critical area in their November 2002 report.

"I have said that the solution to the county's fiscal challenges is to be innovative and discover ways we can do more with less," said Doyle. "This proposal does just that and will allow us to continue to provide the high quality of service our taxpayers expect without burdening them with additional taxes."

The proposal includes a $650,000 contract with Altreya Consulting LLC to examine county operations and IT infrastructure, and then make recommendations for improvements and cost savings. Altreya Consulting is currently assisting Monroe County with Operation Transform, its successful, ongoing effort, to reform the delivery of Social Services.

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