Document Type

Research Report

Publication Date

2-2012

Abstract

The Town of Hanson retained UMass Boston’s Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management to perform an assessment of ways to increase efficiency and effectiveness within the Town government. This report addresses the “second floor” departments, which include: Building Inspections (along with wiring, plumbing, etc.), Conservation, Health, Planning, and Zoning.

While the first floor departments are doing the work to keep Hanson functioning today, the second floor departments are doing the work to keep Hanson strong tomorrow, protecting the resources of the Town for the future. “Resources” should be taken in the broadest sense of the term, which would include financial resources, natural resources, environmental resources, and the health and safety of the public. Fortunately, second floor staff have a wealth of institutional knowledge and a remarkable level of commitment to the well-being of the Town. Board members are also to be commended for their dedication and the time they take from their personal lives to contribute to Town governance.

Against these strengths, the Town obviously faces challenges. The most obvious short‐term challenge is the vacancies in second floor positions. Yet it is also an opportunity to rethink the staffing model of the second floor over the long-term.

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