From the Superintendent

Written by Troy Feltman | 10 July 2009

Performance is the name of the game

Everyone is feeling the impacts of the ailing economy in Michigan and local government is no exception.  Falling revenues, rising operational costs and new mandates from State and Federal government create a tremendously challenging environment for leaders in townships, cities and counties to maintain and plan for public service systems.  Township administration believes that local government is at a crossroad.  The economy can no longer “fund” the ineffective and outdated model of small-box local governments each holding on to a geographically based territory that has no relationship to how effective service systems operate. 

Given this context, Bath Township is moving forward with our performance-based management initiative.  Simply put, this organizational development practice requires that the Township’s departments define specific, measureable services and then links costs to targeted outcomes.  In the near-term we will be able to discuss services with citizens on a cost-per-unit level.  For example, one service would be road patrol.  We can tell the public how many miles we traveled, how much it cost per mile and evaluate this cost against a target that was established prior to the budget.  Every department will be going through this exercise.  By 2010 the Township will have a full menu of services that are outlined.

Now on to current projects.  Below is a very brief outline of a number of projects that the Township is currently working on or has completed.  Please see the new Township website at www.bathtownship.us for additional information on these subjects.

· The first non-motorized pathway comprehensive plan is being finalized.  This plan  provides a framework of sidewalk, paths, trails, etc. throughout the community which enhances recreational opportunities, protects green-space and enhances our smart growth policies in the updated Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

· The Township has adopted a Capital Improvement  Plan which identifies significant , long-lasting capital investment needs throughout the community and provides an objective means to prioritize and finance these items.  The Michigan Township Association has published this plan as an example of how to develop a CIP.

· The Board of Trustees have authorized staff to implement a plan for the video recording of meetings .  The recordings will be broadcast on the website as well as our local cable access channel.