Client Mandate

The newly-elected Mayor of North Bay Village (“The Village”) and members of the Village Commission took office in a period of turmoil. There was a disorganization among the staff, turnover at the executive level, and citizens expressed significant concerns about possible substantial financial fraud. The Mayor sought out an advisor to complete an independent, detailed evaluation and assessment of the finance and human resources operational functions, as well as a general review of all other parts of Village operations. To assist in this process, the Mayor and the Village Commission brought in an Interim Village Manager.

The Village engaged A&M to employ our widespread expertise on restoring stability and control to distressed local governments and to make actionable and credible recommendations to stakeholders.

A&M Approach

Our team worked closely with the Interim Village Manager and Village staff to determine operational issues, assess potential fraud, assess the city’s performance, and evaluate the city’s performance and costs compared to other neighboring communities. During this eight-week process, A&M:

• Completed a five-week detailed assessment of financial operations and assessed and reviewed current business processes, internal controls and reporting within the finance department. Our team then determined the highest value and easiest-to-implement recommendations that would improve internal controls and promote operational efficiency and cost savings.
• Conducted a three-week review of the human resources department; evaluated and reconstructed the current organizational structure based on benchmarks and best practices; and made recommendations for internal training and development requirements, and potential improvements to attract and maintain quality and well-trained staff.
• Completed a review of all other parts of Village operations, comparing service levels, performance, and costs to similar neighboring communities. The team developed a number of department-specific recommendations for reorganization and operational changes to improve citizen services at lower costs.
• Provided ongoing management, consulting, and advisory support.
• Assisted the Mayor and Village Commissioners in the search for a permanent Village Manager.

Results

Our efforts resulted in a clear action plan for the Village to implement in order to achieve organizational stability and significant cost savings. We provided 36 detailed recommendations that were well-received by the Mayor, Village Commission, Interim Village Manager, and Village staff. Most importantly, the citizens who expressed great concern at the project’s beginning, expressed great satisfaction with the plan and its recommendations, stating it gave the Village a clear roadmap for change with accountability. A&M continues to support the Village through regular check-ins to ensure the Village’s path to success.