County 'Playbook' Wins Good Government Award

General Management System Honored With S.D. Taxpayer Association’s Golden Watchdog

A County document that guides managers in making a wide range of decisions, from long-range planning to budgeting, has earned the Grand Golden Watchdog, the highest award bestowed by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association.

The award was presented last week at the association’s annual banquet. Another County program, the Probation Department’s Proposition 36 Program, was a finalist for a Golden Watchdog Award.

“The General Management System (GMS) allows the County to plan for success,” said Greg Cox, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “With the GMS, the County can improve service to the taxpayers of this region through careful and forward-looking planning to maximize resources and improve customer service.”

Each year at its annual banquet, the Taxpayers Association reveals its choices for the most efficient and most wasteful government spending in its Golden Watchdog and Golden Fleece Awards.

The County’s General Management System has been in place since 1998. The system is a “playbook” for County managers, directing such activities as setting long-term goals, figuring out how to pay for those goals, and then making sure the organization is on track to reach its goals throughout the year. It also lays out the process for allocating resources, assuring that all County departments work together. Finally, it recognizes and rewards employees who play a part in helping the County achieve its goals.

Anyone who wants to take a closer look at how County government operates can go to www.sdcounty.ca.gov/cao/ and click on “General Management System.