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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBaker Tilly Feasibility Assessment Project Summary-Workshop Winnebago County Public Health Consolidation Baker Tilly Feasibility Assessment Project Summary Baker Tilly refers to Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP, an independently owned and managed member of Baker Tilly International. Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP © Key Features of Study Focused a two-year long discussion on key issues necessary to move a decision forward Neenah, Oshkosh, and County Staff, Management, and Community Leaders were integrally involved in data gathering, discussion and model decisions Steering Committee provided direction and ensured key local public health objectives were measured, analyzed, and discussed with all potential partners 2 Key Features of Study Baker Tilly, an independent accounting and consulting firm, was hired to:  Lead the overall feasibility approach  Provide data-driven research, analytics, and decision support  Facilitate Steering Committee meetings and staff working sessions  Manage project discussion and decision elements  Engaged in ongoing communication with all partners to ensure project progress to project deadlines 3 Steering Committee Direction Work was focused on measuring current resources and service strategies, and potential future impact of consolidation on tax levies Membership from all potential partners:  Public Health Directors  Elected Leaders and Public Health Board Members  Other City Management and Staff (Finance staff, admin support) Key task was to collect input directly from:  Public health nurses, environmental health, public health education, and administrative & support staff  Boards of Health  Key community partners (e.g. Neenah Joint School District and Oshkosh Senior Center) 4 Consolidation Success Factors Staff and Steering Committee showed true leadership and committed to participating in an objective, fair, and candid process Factors Common to Every Successful Consolidation PositiveImpact on ServicesClear Fiscal Benefit TrustLeadership Community SupportShared Perception of Need 5 Outcomes Current municipal staff will have the opportunity to join an expanded County Public Health Department (reductions handled through vacancies) The consolidated Department will operate from two locations: Oshkosh and Neenah (the Oshkosh location is blocks from current) Service will be provided to all areas of the County except the Cities of Appleton and Menasha The new County Public Health Department will require less resources than the three independent Public Health Departments combined 6 Outcomes 7 Tax Levy Impacts Upon Completion Total taxpayer-funded Public Health expenditures will fall from $1.7m to $1.4m annually. Consolidated Effective Local Levy Cost for Independent Est. Levy Rate Public Health Levy Rate Apportioned County Public Health Departments(Base)Department(Consolidated)Public Health Levy Winnebago County$ 952,7970.1807$ 1,431,432 0.1352$ 719,949 City of Neenah$ 321,9540.1781$ -0.0000$ 242,741 City of Oshkosh$ 403,8000.1157$ -0.0000$ 468,742 Total$ 1,678,5510.1588$ 1,431,432 0.1352$ 1,431,432 Notes: Levy Cost for Independent Public Health Departments is based on 2009 FTE (full staffing) and 2011 budgeted wage rates. Ongoing municipal Weights and Measures Staffing costs assumed to be program revenue funded (zero net levy) Note: timing of actual allocation of levy and expenses will depend on effective implementation date and other factors (e.g. State of Wisconsin) 8 Outcomes Neenah and County residents will contribute less tax levy than in the past City of Oshkosh will offset a small levy increase ($65k annually) with potential reductions in permit fees for City businesses and vendors The municipalities involved would likely see an increase in the public health levy rate without the merger, given the anticipated reduction to grant funding and the need to fill critical vacant positions. 9 Outcomes Overall service delivery strategy will not change in the short term:  Communicable disease tracking, reporting & case management  Inspection of business establishments  Environmental health functions  Public Health Nursing focus on Young Families, Adults & Elderly, and Refugees  Public Health Education, Initiatives & Events In reality coordination between public health and related County programs should be enhanced (e.g. WIC, other human services) Moving forward, specific programs will be adjusted based on emerging public health best practices & industry standards 10 Key Implementation Issues Timing of merger implementation Intergovernmental agreements  Oversight structure  Modifications to local ordinances (reconciliation required)  Fee schedules and permitting (likely fee reductions) Status, Oversight Role, and Procedures for Boards of Public Health Personnel decisions, transfers and hiring Service approaches –the “how” (e.g. sanitarian approach to inspection services) 11