The Citizen Efficiency Review Committee ( CERC )

This project took place in 1999.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Citizen Efficiency Review Committee to accomplish an objective review of the efficiency, effectiveness and appropriateness of city-provided services, individually and as a system, and to make such recommendations to the Board of Aldermen as are deemed appropriate by the Committee to prepare City government to function in ways that enable us to meet the future within the conceptual framework of the vision set forth in the Legacy Comprehensive Plan.*

Mission Guidelines

To accomplish the Mission, the Committee shall, without limitation

1. objectively analyze the function and responsibilities of all departments, both individually and as a system, to identify the strengths and opportunities for improvement when judged against comparative benchmarks and best practices data;
2. recommend the addition, elimination or alteration of services provided by City government and determine how best to provide these services;
3. recommend services that should be considered for "managed competition" or privatization, or that should function as "enterprises" supported by user fees;
4. recommend services and functions that should be considered for consolidation with other governmental units;

to the end that the recommendations carefully balance the competing needs for cost containment and improved services to the citizenry.

* Legacy Plan Vision contingent on CERC Steering Committee approval

Adopted June 23, 1999

How Did It Work?

The City of Winston-Salem, NC, Board of Aldermen created a citizen committee to review the efficiency and effectiveness of all City services. This volunteer committee of over 100 citizens examined each department with the goal of reducing costs and improving services. The review process also provided opportunities for City staff to learn new ideas from citizens and provided opportunities for citizens to learn more about their government. In May of 1998, the Board approved a resolution creating a seven-member committee.

Dr. Richard Janeway headed the 7-member steering committee that recruited volunteers from the community for the 7 review teams. Volunteers were primarily from the university and business communities. They participated in a kick-off meeting held in late February, and all volunteers and City staff completed training in the review process in March of 1999.

The Review Teams evaluated City services by using benchmarking information, best practices information, citizen and employee surveys, financial data, interviews with employees, work site visits, and improvement ideas submitted by both citizens and employees. They met on a regular basis with each other and with management teams. The review teams then forwarded their findings to the steering committee.

The steering committee reviewed these findings and consolidated the information gathered into a final report (Executive Summary) that was presented to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen on November 15, 1999. Since the Citizen Efficiency Review Committee is an advisory group, the approval of the Board will be necessary for recommendations to be implemented.

The Executive Summary [pdf/30p]  

Board of Aldermen Policy Briefing Session January 2000 [pdf/17p]

Board of Aldermen Review April 2000 [pdf/10p]

The Citizen Efficiency Committee Process  Part 1 [pdf] | Part 2 [pdf]

Team Audit Evaluation Process [pdf/1p]

Public Safety Committee Report [pdf/31p] 

Transportation Team Report [pdf/38p]  

Interdepartmental Team Report [pdf/71p]

Community Development Team Report [pdf39p]

General Government Team Report [pdf/31p]

Review Committee Breakdown Chart [pdf/1p]