Marin County Departments Set for Major Overhaul Following Audit

Two essential departments within the Marin County government are poised for significant changes as part of a comprehensive evaluation. The county has engaged KPMG International Limited for a thorough assessment of the Community Development Agency, the Department of Public Works, and the Marin Housing Authority, investing $500,000 in this initiative. Following recent presentations, the consultants have put forth recommendations aimed at enhancing the organizational performance of the first two departments, while the findings for the Marin Housing Authority will be shared with supervisors in January.

Derek Johnson, Marin County Executive, emphasized the importance of the reports, stating, “These organizational excellence reports represent more than a study. It’s really a roadmap for how we can better serve Marin and meet the challenges of the 21st century.”

In their evaluation, KPMG outlined four key recommendations for both the Community Development Agency and the Department of Public Works. The first recommendation calls for the implementation of customer feedback mechanisms to improve service delivery and community engagement. The second suggests the adoption of a technology modernization plan that incorporates artificial intelligence. The third recommendation encourages a shift toward a data-driven performance management approach, relying on objective metrics rather than subjective assessments.

A unique recommendation for the Community Development Agency involves collaborating with the county executive’s office to establish a unified policy agreement regarding planning and enforcement. A staff report presented to the supervisors highlighted that discrepancies among the Community Development Agency, the Office of the County Executive, and the Board of Supervisors have led to delays and inconsistent enforcement.

In 2023, the Marin County Planning Commission voted 6-1 to recommend that supervisors reject a housing element proposed by the Community Development Agency. Critics cited flaws, including changes that prioritized the countywide plan over community plans. Despite these concerns, supervisors approved the housing element, leading to a lawsuit regarding the community plan issue.

KPMG’s evaluation of the Department of Public Works identified the need for a five-year plan to prioritize and fund projects based on asset condition and risk data. The assessment revealed over $200 million in deferred maintenance needs that could lead to severe equipment failures. KPMG’s full report included in-depth recommendations, with the Community Development Agency featuring 13 high-level recommendations and more than 70 actionable items. The public works assessment listed 18 high-level recommendations and over 100 actions, including suggestions for organizational restructuring.

One notable recommendation is to move the procurement division from the Department of Public Works to the county executive’s office, the Department of Finance, or the general services office. A report by the 2023-24 Marin County Civil Grand Jury pointed out inconsistencies in the administration of county-issued credit cards, known as CAL-Cards, due to joint oversight by the Department of Public Works and the Department of Finance.

KPMG also recommended relocating the county’s Certified Unified Program Agency to either the environmental health office or the Office of Emergency Management. This agency oversees essential environmental and emergency response programs to maintain safety from hazardous materials.

During discussions, Supervisor Eric Lucan suggested that the supervisors review procurement thresholds, which currently allow the county executive to enter contracts up to $50,000 without Board approval. “I would be in favor of expanding those,” Lucan noted, indicating this could enhance the county’s responsiveness. Johnson concurred, identifying this as a straightforward improvement opportunity.

KPMG’s project director, Alex Rothman, indicated that the county plans to implement the recommendations over the next 24 months. Sarah Jones, director of the Community Development Agency, highlighted the need for careful prioritization of CDA’s resources, balancing immediate concerns with long-term foundational changes. Supervisor Dennis Rodoni raised questions about managing the transition while maintaining current workloads.

The topic of artificial intelligence prompted public inquiry from Ken Dickinson, director of Bay Area Computer Training, who questioned the transparency of data usage. Johnson reassured attendees that the county is piloting several AI programs, ensuring the protection of confidential information. Supervisor Brian Colbert remarked on the necessity of aligning county services with the technological realities already embraced by residents.

Finally, Rollie Katz, executive director of the Marin Association of Public Employees, expressed concern over the implications of AI on employment, anticipating discussions at the bargaining table. The ongoing transformation of Marin County’s departments underscores a significant commitment to modernizing governance and enhancing service delivery for its residents.