Suggested COVENCO Reading for Voters

How are we going to make the City of Yellowknife more productive; reducing tax/fee costs (while maintaining or improving quality) we pass onto the public? Answers are in a largely-uncommented-on but pivotal report delivered to the City of Yellowknife in July 2009; formally accepted by Council on August 24th/09.

While this report was prepared for our largest staff department, Public Works and Engineering, I feel it's recommendations could easily extend to many City departments. The authors from the Covenco Ltd. consulting firm estimated that between 12 and 15 % increase in productivity is realizable within PW&E with a series of recommendations regarding relevant training, closer operations performance tracking, and positive changes for more efficiency. This could add up to significantly lowered spending, lighter taxes/fees, and a more responsive service for the public at large.

With similar recommendations applied on a broader scale beyond a single department, I feel we could have a community becoming progressively more affordable, attractive and competitive.

Enough from me! I would suggest Voters read this report ASAP. For the moment, it is available on the City website (pages 9 to 48) of the following URL: http://www.yellowknife.ca/Assets/City+Clerks/Committees/Priorities$!2c_Policies_and_Budget_Committee/PP$!26B+Agendas+2009/PPBAgendaJuly272009v2.pdf

Happy Reading ! I'd be interested in hearing your comments.

Dave