Commission Reorganization Sets County on Future Path

At a special meeting this past week, St. Johns County Commissioner Sarah Arnold took her seat as commission chair, succeeding Christian Whitehurst. Commissioner Roy Alaimo stepped up to the vice chair slot to wrap up the commission’s reorganization.

Whitehurst nominated Arnold for the post and she was approved unanimously by voice vote. Alaimo was nominated by Commissioner Henry Dean and was also approved without dissent.

In a brief ceremony acknowledging Whitehurst’s tenure as chair, he thanked his fellow commissioners for the honor.

“It has been an honor and a privilege,” he said.

At the regular meeting that followed, County Administrator Joy Andrews laid out a framework to increase transparency of county departments and increase operational efficiency. The framework includes a new organizational chart and the announcement of a new department, the Office of Performance and Transparency.

The office track performance measurements and analysis through the development and implementation of metrics and key performance indicators; assess the data to identify areas for improvement and opportunities to increase efficiency; and provide comprehensive performance reports. The new office will also work to integrate new technologies into county operations.

Efforts at increased transparency include establishing a user-friendly online portal for public access to performance data and coordination with county departments to provide timely and accurate information to the public.

Andrews said the Office of Performance and Transparency “underscores our commitment to delivering services efficiently” and the county’s determination to “cultivate a culture of performance excellence.”

Commissioner Krista Joseph asked if the new framework would increase the size of county government.

Andrews said that was not part of the reorganization.

“I would say at this time we are not expecting any added resource to our organizational chart,” she said. “I would say we are not growing our government, we are just reallocating our resources.”