County launches 'Peak Performance' program to map processes and seek cost savings

County staff described the 'Peak Performance' initiative, a lean‑process effort adapted from work in other jurisdictions to reduce duplication, raise productivity and show measurable savings as part of the 2025 budget cycle.

What it is: staff brought in consultant Brian Elms and trained directors and employees to map core processes using sticky‑note mapping and identify downtime where errors, rework or delays occur. Departments piloted changes and identified opportunities that could translate into budgetary savings and improved service delivery.

Examples and near‑term expectations: staff cited early success stories including a potential $34,000 saving from assessor office changes, streamlined discovery and centralized contract clearinghouses in the county attorney's office, online appointment scheduling in the clerk’s office, inspection scheduling improvements in building operations and $5,000 savings in communications technology through improved intake procedures. "We wanted to show great stewardship of taxpayer dollars," staff said, describing the program’s goals. Departments will be required to present at least one mapped process and a plan for the 2025 budget cycle.

Why it matters: the county framed the initiative as both a fiscal stewardship and employee‑morale program, intending to remove redundant work and demonstrate data‑driven efficiencies before asking voters or the budget committee for new resources.

Next steps: implementation, metric tracking and reporting of outcomes in the 2025 budget process. Departments will continue mapping and scale successful innovations across the organization.