County to Hire Consultant on Health, Welfare Changes

Citing a need to move quickly, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to hire a consultant to help reorganize the county’s health and welfare agencies as a cost-cutting measure.

Eager to at least have a preliminary report completed before budget hearings begin in July, the board directed its staff members to return next week with the name of a consulting agency that could perform the study.

Although the vote was unanimous, Supervisor John K. Flynn said he would have preferred that officials in the county Health Care Agency and the Public Social Service Agency conduct their own cost-cutting plan.

“I just don’t like consultants,” Flynn said. “I don’t think we need a consultant to do what needs to be done. It’s so obvious. We have so much experience already. They know what needs to be done.”

But board Chairwoman Maggie Kildee said county staff members are already overburdened and that she believes a consultant could get the study done quicker.

“I believe that our managers are very capable, but I’d like to see someone working on this who isn’t already up to their necks with the budget,” Kildee said. “I think a consultant could help us get some recommendations by July without overpowering our managers.”

Supervisor Susan Lacey suggested that the consultant and department heads work together as a team to develop a cost-saving plan, which could include merging administrative, payroll and accounting services of both agencies. Officials said such a consolidation could also result in program and job cuts.

With the county facing a $46-million deficit this year, board members said they have little choice but to look for ways to reduce operating costs in the health and welfare agencies. The county now spends in excess of $16 million to subsidize the two agencies.

County Personnel Director Ron Komers told the board Tuesday that he has already spoken with representatives of four consulting firms which are now conducting or have recently completed similar studies.

Komers suggested the board use the authority of the county’s purchasing agent to expedite the hiring process. Under that authority, the purchasing agent may contract for goods and services up to $100,000 in value.

Even if the board were to hire a consultant next week, Komers said, the consultant would probably not be able to deliver a comprehensive study in time for county budget deliberations in July. “Initially, you may be getting a view from 40,000 feet, but I think it is possible to get you some preliminary information by July,” Komers said.