MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County officials are highlighting the positive impacts of a tax reorganization implemented earlier this year. The initiative, aimed at addressing inconsistencies and inefficiencies in budget operations between departments, has already led to measurable improvements in the budget process, communication and staff development.

“We wanted to address several issues, including inconsistent execution of tax tasks, lack of clear promotion paths for staff, and disruption to operations when unexpected events occurred. » said Chief Financial Officer Kitty Crow. “Non-tax staff were often tasked with tax tasks, and in many cases, supervisors or department heads lacked the tax knowledge needed to effectively guide their teams. »

Before the reorganization, finance staff were dispersed across departments, with different levels of supervision and training. This often led to errors that were only discovered at the end of the year, with the finance department stepping in as “cleaning crew”. By consolidating all budget positions under the direction of the Department of Finance, the county has streamlined its operations and improved its oversight.

Crow noted that when Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. proposed the idea of ​​consolidating budget positions, she was enthusiastic but realistic about the timeline.

“I told him from the start that it would take 12 to 18 months at best,” Raven said. “But the benefits are worth it.”

One of the most notable improvements was in budget hearings.

“This year the process was much smoother. Questions could be answered in real time and no service needed to be called back a second time. » Raven said. This efficiency was attributed to better communication between finance staff and department heads, as well as a clear division of responsibilities.

The reorganization also allowed for greater cross-training and back-up assignments, reducing the risk of disruption when finance staff are on extended leave or when unexpected events occur. Department heads now have a designated budget manager, allowing them to focus on managing their budget without getting bogged down in technical tax tasks. Since the reorganization, the county has seen improvements in several areas, including smoother transfer processes and the discovery of errors from prior periods.

“Finding and correcting errors in real time has made supplier invoice auditing more efficient” » Crow added. The new structure also creates clearer promotion opportunities for staff, reducing the risk associated with provisional appointments.

Wendel highlighted the long-term benefits of the reorganization, stating: “This effort has improved the overall financial accountability of our departments and will bring lasting improvements to our budget process. Collaboration between the finance department and other departments is stronger than ever.

Feedback from county staff and legislators has been overwhelmingly positive. The President of Parliament and the members of the Audit and Control Committee welcomed the smooth running of the budget hearings, noting the quality of the answers to the questions.

“Budget restructuring has made a notable difference during this year’s budget review process. Having dedicated financial professionals available to answer questions in real time streamlined discussions and provided greater clarity. said District 3 Legislator Bob Scudder. “I would like to thank Chief Financial Officer Kitty Crow, Budget Director Jennifer Swan and their entire staff for their hard work and commitment. Their efforts helped ensure a more efficient and insightful process for everyone involved.

Department heads also expressed gratitude for the support they received from the finance team during reviews with the county executive.

“The success of this reorganization is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our financial staff. » said Wendel. “They have not only improved the efficiency of our financial operations, but also strengthened communication and cooperation between departments.”