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Council Reviews How Engineering Services Are Delivered

Friday 19 October 2012, 1:57PM

By Tasman District Council

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TASMAN

A review of the delivery of contracted professional engineering services by Tasman District Council has been the subject of a workshop between Councillors and senior management. The Council needs to ensure the planning, delivery and maintenance of infrastructure, and related services is efficient and cost effective now and in the future.

The workshop focused on the findings of the review carried out by an internal Project Control Group supported by consultants Morrison Low. The review identified a number of benefits and future opportunities by providing the service in-house, all of which were discussed with Councillors at the workshop.

The next stage is the Council meeting of 29 November 2012 where the business case will be formally presented.

The workshop requested staff to present a report recommending a return to in-house delivery of part of the work contracted out be developed to be considered by the Council. The in-house option, if selected, will result in an increase in the number of engineering staff directly employed by the Council and a significant decrease in consultant’s costs.

The in-house option is compelling for three reasons:

  • Cost savings opportunities,
  • Control of strategy and policy,
  • Taking back the direct relationship with the ratepayer.

 

The Councillors were generally positive about the review’s findings. It was made very clear that there was no issue with the current services provided by the current contractors and Council staff, however, the Council has a responsibility to ensure they are providing the best value for residents and ratepayers.