Management and Performance Review of County Government ...

Introduction and Background
1. Ford Park;
2. Airport;
3. County Judge;
4. Commissioners Court; and
5. Tax abatements.
MGT’s review was preceded by a similar effort conducted by the Texas
Comptroller of Public Accounts. In February 2003, the county requested a review from
the Comptroller’s Local Government Assistance (LGA) Division, which provides various
types of managerial assistance and advice to Texas local governments at no charge.
LGA conducts reviews intended to help local governments comply with state laws,
streamline their operations, improve customer service and manage public funds
prudently.
In June 2004, LGA staff conducted site work for their review. At that time,
however, several county elected officials chose not to participate. As a result, the LGA
review scope ultimately was restricted to reviews of the county’s budget operations and
processes, its handling of uncollected fines and fees and its purchasing process. LGA
issued its report on Jefferson County in April 2005.
MGT encountered similar difficulties. As the firm began negotiating its contract
with the county, many elected officials again expressed their desire not to participate.
The Commissioners Court asked all independently elected officials to communicate their
intention to participate or decline in writing. Exhibit 1-1 compiles their responses.
MGT agreed to conduct limited reviews of the offices that chose not to participate.
These efforts were limited to reviewing readily available information and, where possible,
comparisons to peer counties.
Page 1-2