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This past year has been filled with challenges, not only for our community, but for local government. I am especially proud to share this Annual Report, because in spite of a tough economic climate, Broward County’s record of accomplishment and commitment to serving the needs of our community is stronger than ever.
Recessionary times demanded that we take a hard look at how we do business. Broward County’s model for performance excellence, called Sterling, inspired the phrase “Our Best. Nothing Less.” and captures the essence of this business philosophy. It is the theme of this year’s annual report.
All Broward County agencies have been challenged to examine their operations and evaluate what they do and how they do it. In our quest to deliver services that enhance quality of life, we must ensure customer satisfaction with our programs and services, develop our workforce and plan for the County’s future.
County government is implementing cost-saving efficiencies through process improvements, and pursuing alternative funding sources for core programs and services. We continue to streamline the organization and through the expansion of e-government, we have made doing business with Broward County easier and more convenient than ever.
In 2010, Broward County laid the groundwork for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) program. An ERP will integrate the many systems that support our operations into one, eliminating redundancies, reducing costs, increasing operational efficiency and providing better information for decision making.
“Our Best. Nothing Less.” is more than just a business philosophy. It’s a personal credo that is fully embraced by Broward County employees who, in 2010, contributed more than $191,000 to the United Way of Broward County and $56,000 to help the victims of Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake. They joined with members of the public in supporting a year-round Food Drive, collecting more than 12,000 pounds of food to benefit area food banks.
The Board’s adoption of a Code of Ethics holds local elected officials and government employees to high standards, and ensures members of the public have open and easy access to information about the way government conducts business.
Information regarding County programs and services is more accessible because of enhancements to our Web Site, www.broward.org, and through the use of new social media tools including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and e-newsletters.
While 2011 promises to be another tough economic year, it also presents opportunities for County government to become more efficient, strengthen operations and enhance programs and services that benefit the residents of our community. We invite you to keep informed and “stay connected” with local government. I promise you we will do “Our Best. Nothing Less.” to meet your needs.
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