Recent events have clearly shown the time for talk is over. The time for action is now.
We've been talking about the water crisis, the audit report, about what happened, why it happened, and who's to blame for far too long. What I'm focused on now is what, from an operational point of view, is the best way to manage our utilities.
Last week the BoS and Advisory Board discussed the recommendations for governance of the water and sewer departments [click here for previous blog], it became apparent that a majority of your town government is in favor of leaving things just the way they are. I'm not.
It wasn't just the Commissions: there were significant failings in Town Hall and in the Finance Department. These have been identified and corrective measures are being taken. A new Finance Director is establishing accounting and municipal finance processes and procedures, the department is being reorganized and funding for an integrated modern accounting software package will be sought at the Annual Town Meeting. The BoS and Advisory Board are being required to exercise oversight. The enterprise funds are being co-managed by the Interim Town Manager.
The SOP of the past will not be tolerated. You will learn more about this at the March 1 BoS meeting where the Town Auditor will present the FY10 audit and management letters. The ITM and FD will respond and present their plan for addressing specific issues.
Some say that's enough. It's not. We need a professional to manage our municipal utilities. Why? Isn't that what the Commissioners do? Yes, but they are part-time volunteers who rely on the consulting engineers and plant operators to make decisions and while well-intentioned don't have the skill set and expertise to challenge the professionals. They're not supposed to but we need someone who does.
The reports recommend combining the commissions into a smaller board that is appointed and advisory. If we have a professional with the right skill set and experience, do we really need more bureaucracy and shouldn't we eliminate the political aspect entirely? Elected officials are political and an advisory board will be appointed by selectmen - also elected and political.
Some say we need to keep the elected officials because they give you a voice. They do but only if you make your voice heard. We didn't. We're busy. We trusted. We can't afford to - literally.
I'd like to think our community will become more involved and informed. The reality is when this blows over we'll go back to our lives and with no one stepping forward to run for office how do we change government? With the right contract we can fire an incompetent employee.
Creating a utility superintendent is not the wrong action to take. What is, is not admitting the failures of our existing system, clinging to the status quo, and refusing to make the changes necessary to ensure Cohasset's financial future out of fear and/or misplaced loyalty. This isn't some new, wild idea. It's been the trend in municipal government for some time.
I've said it before and I still believe it: the $40,000,000 Cohasset corporation needs to be run like a business.
What we make of this opportunity is entirely up to us. We can continue to operate within our comfort zone or we can be bold and ensure Cohasset's future rests on solid management and financial practices. Cohasset is at a crossroads. Change for change sake is of no value. Adapting to changing circumstances is essential to success.
Recent events have clearly shown the time for talk is over. The time for action is now.
[Melanson & Heath Audit and 2004 MMA Report click here to view]
