6/6/2012

Service Efforts and Accomplishments Report issued by Auditor’s Office

Contact

Greg Kimsey, Auditor Phone: (360) 397-2078 Fax: greg.kimsey@clark.wa.gov Linda Bade, Audit Services Phone: (360) 397-2310, ext. 4790 linda.bade@clark.wa.gov

Vancouver, WA —Clark County Auditor’s Office releases its eighth Service Efforts and Accomplishments (SEA) report along with the results of its fifth Citizen Survey report. The SEA report describes program goals and displays operational data for six service areas of county government. Results from the Citizen Survey are included to indicate citizen satisfaction levels with county services. Auditor’s Office staff worked closely with departments to obtain and present the information contained in this report; this was not an audit.

Highlights from the SEA include:

• The Sheriff’s Office –Officer response times increased over the period; the jail is heavily impacted by special needs inmates, especially for mental health.
  
• Public Works’ Road Maintenance – The average Pavement Condition Index rating for county roads continues to exceed the county goal. Per capita spending on roads dropped 11 percent from 2007 to 2011.
  
• Parks Acquisition and Maintenance – Both Regional and Urban parks remain below the Comprehensive Use established standards, or goals for parks. Parks revenue continues to increase.
  
• Building and Development – Building and Development experienced significant reductions in work over this five-year period. The Fire Marshal’s new construction plan reviews and inspections decreased over this same period.
  
• County Compliance Programs – Fire and Life Safety inspections decreased as well as new code enforcement cases. There was a 34 percent increase in animal/pet licenses sold over this period.
  
• Community Mental Health Services – There continues to be increasing demand for provided services, especially for children’s services, which increased 45 percent over the last five years.

The Citizen Survey, conducted in January 2012, provides comments of interest on citizen confidence in county government (31 percent rate their confidence as “total/a lot”) and about the quality of life in the county (83 percent rate life ‘good/excellent’).

“This report tracks major and highly visible services provided by the County. We looked at cost, services provided, and to the extent possible, tried to identify citizen awareness and satisfaction. This information can help officials and managers better understand the results of funding decisions on service delivery and related public perceptions.” Auditor Kimsey went on to say “Some services have declined because of budget cuts, but I am pleased this has not been accompanied by a significant reduction in citizen satisfaction.”

The full report can be viewed at www.clark.wa.gov/auditor/audit/aud_otherreports.html or obtained by calling (360) 397-2310.

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