LA PLATA, Md. (July 16, 2010)—During the County Commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 13, County Administrator Dr. Rebecca Bridgett presented the commissioners with a newly aligned organizational chart for Charles County government departments and staff. The four commissioners present voted unanimously to approve the proposed changes.
“The new organizational structure represents 'right-sizing' County Government in light of the loss of revenues during last year and reduction in numbers of staff. This new structure gives us an opportunity to allocate our resources more efficiently,” said Dr. Bridgett.
The organizational changes were recommended to maximize efficiencies and consolidate areas that have employees who share similar talents and skill sets. As a result, the Departments of Utilities and Public Facilities will be combined into one Department of Public Works. The current Director of Utilities Bill Shreve has been named the new director of Public Works. The transition of combining departments is estimated to take approximately three months.
Regarding the merger of the two departments, Commissioner President Wayne Cooper commented, “I see [the merger] as being more efficient, and being able to operate with more productivity with the employees and more efficiency as far as equipment goes, keeping costs down for the County. I think it’s a good move.”
Congratulating Mr. Shreve on his new appointment, Commissioner Vice President Edith J. Patterson said, “I have full assurance that you will do an excellent job.” Commissioner Samuel N. Graves, Jr. added, “You’ve done a great job at Utilities … I suspect you will do the same thing for Public Facilities. We have good employees in both [departments] and I expect that they will do nothing but prosper and grow under your command.”
Also as part of the reorganization, the tourism and media promotion efforts have been combined and will report to the County Commissioners.
The new approach to the Charles County government organizational structure is very common across the State. Several counties in Maryland and several states across the nation utilize the same approach.
Source: Charles County Commissioners