Sandpoint staff propose citywide efficiency study to guide staffing, budgets and facility needs

Cheryl, Central Services director, asked council to consider including a citywide efficiency study within the strategic plan to evaluate organization structure, staffing, facilities, and service levels across departments.

Cheryl said she has drafted an RFP and described the study's scope: interviews and surveys of staff and department heads, benchmarking with comparable municipalities, facility visits, seasonal-service assessments, and public-safety operational planning. The study would provide budgeting guidance and potential hybrid staffing/contracting models for functions such as fleet maintenance, IT and public-safety operations. "It evaluates processes and operations, including seasonal needs," Cheryl said. "It uses comparables and measurable performance data to inform long-term planning."

Council asked about estimated costs. Staff said the earlier budget had $40,000 identified but the likely full scope would be substantially higher; council members suggested realistic estimates around $100,000 for a comprehensive, independent study. Cheryl said the RFP is ready and that, if the project is budgeted, it could begin promptly and take about three months for an initial deliverable.

Council discussed priorities to ensure the RFP emphasizes Sandpoint's seasonal population changes and the city's role as a full-service regional center rather than a bedroom suburb. Staff recommended using an independent consultant to avoid internal bias and to provide objective recommendations. Several councilors supported proceeding, and staff explained options to split the expense across two budget years if necessary.