Ypsilanti consolidates clerk and treasurer offices into single department
The city of Ypsilanti has consolidated its city clerk and treasurer offices into a single department. The consolidation is the city's latest effort to cut costs, while maintaining services.
The consolidation is expected to provide more efficient services and save the city money.
The consolidation became effective Monday and the treasurer's office has relocated from the third floor of City Hall to the first floor.
Part of City Manager Ralph Lange's five-year recovery plan called for the reorganization of city employees and departments to create both cost savings and improve customer service.
"One of Mr. Lange's goals was to cross-train personnel," said Mayor Paul Schreiber.
Schreiber said Clerk Frances McMullen and Treasurer Kimberly Teamer are being cross-trained to learn each other's duties. In total, the office will have 3 1/2 full-time positions. No jobs were eliminated in the consolidation.
"... As long as employees can handle being cross-trained, it should work out for everyone," Schreiber said.
Schreiber said the city does expect the consolidation to result in some savings, but he isn't sure of the exact amount.
The city expects the consolidated office will improve customer service and provide a “one-stop shop” service experience for residents.
"We’re excited about the consolidation because we’re looking forward to providing a better service to our residents and customers," McMullen said. "We think it’s a good idea and hopefully it will prove to be cost efficient and effective."
A SEMCOG report in January urged the city to look at consolidating various departments, including the building and planning department in order to better focus on fostering economic development. SEMCOG believes that consolidation may improve property values and in turn property tax revenues.
The city also is pursuing a hybrid model for its police and fire departments to reduce expenses and maintain services.
The city clerk/treasurer's office will be open for general business from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
moveover2012
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 5:46 p.m.
Maybe it is just the CAT watching the mouse..wait for the savings? we need to see the numbers.
Murf
Mon, Feb 11, 2013 : 7:46 p.m.
The employees in the Treasurer's Office must be really happy. Now they don't need to use that horribly outdated and scary elevator to get to their floor....if it's even still working.
beardown
Mon, Feb 11, 2013 : 6:57 p.m.
How does consolidating offices without actually removing and personnel actually save money. Is it not just a cosmetic change? And, doesn't the city now have two management level positions running one office? One of them needs to go or get dropped down to a lower level so Lange can evilly work them near FT hours to avoid benefits.
moveover2012
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 5:44 p.m.
There is NO saving on the water.and electric Bill ..the City has SOLAR PANELS..lets count That saving! H R lets cut the city council .we surely donot need two 2 council person for each ward.!n new hybrids for city cars..etc etc they just got all new cars..Buy/rent them a bicylec ... So how much did that move of equiment cost the taxpayers.?
beardown
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 3:23 a.m.
Thats what I figured. And I love the term "cross train." It's HR speak for double your work load without any more pay.
JBK
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 2:37 a.m.
beardown - I would assume the Clerk would report to the Treasurer, BUT I am guessing. As for cost savings.......... The 3rd floor can now be shut down! - no water - no electric - vents can be sealed (for gas) The cost savings will be in operating costs which will amount to a 6 pack of PBR every month! :)
Amber Coleman
Mon, Feb 11, 2013 : 6:10 p.m.
How can you have 3 and a half full time jobs. I think you mean 3 full time positions and one part time worker.
harry b
Mon, Feb 11, 2013 : 5:55 p.m.
Consolidating offices should happen much more. Why does each school district need a superintendent or school board. Many small communities need to consolidate.