The next step is for the Board to define a facilities plan and funding mechanisms to implement the plan. This budget includes funds to open the Midland Library by the end of the fiscal year. We are looking forward to this expansion of our library services in mid-Multnomah County. County government is a labor intensive business. The quality and productivity of our services depends primarily on the skills of our workers.
Employee training is the most direct and cost-effective path to high quality services.
This work will contribute to shaping the training plan for the county. We already know that line employees and managers need training to work in teams, redesign processes, evaluate data, and to take advantage of the richness of a diverse workforce. We also know we need resources for training in conflict resolution, performance evaluation, and new roles for managers. This budget includes an important investment in training our workforce. I believe it will pay us a return far beyond the dollars we invest in terms of productivity and improved customer service.