William Buchanan, County Manager
Welcome
I am William Buchanan, Sedgwick County Manager. Welcome to our Web
site. County staff and I are responsible for implementing the
policy decisions made by the Board of Sedgwick County
Commissioners.
Mission
Assure quality public services are provided for the present
and future well-being of the citizens of Sedgwick County by providing efficient
and responsive support to the Board of County Commissioners and effective
administration of the Sedgwick County organization.
Weekly Update
Last week, I was in a small group meeting outside of the
county where one of the participants repeatedly said, “we are doing this," and
“we are monitoring that.” It struck me instantly that I had no idea who “we”
included, nor the timeline for when “we” would get the work done. Clearly, in
our organization, we embrace the notion of identifying the “it person” – the
person who is accountable for getting the work done. This helps clarify work
assignments and designates the owner of the task. It is the responsibility of
the “it person” to assure stakeholders are included and a strategy, plan and
timeline are developed. The “it person” sets a realistic timeline for the work
and assures the work gets done by that time or communicates a change in the
schedule. And, the successful “it person” shares relevant information with the
team and seeks constructive feedback.
I keep a list of the numerous projects in process – for each, I know the “it
person” and the agreed upon due date. I look to the “it person” to be the
expert, to be the most knowledgeable and have the most current information about
the topic, and to assure that the team is informed. For me, this is just one way
we can put into daily practice our County Value of “Accountability” – defined as
“accepting responsibility for our job performances, actions, behavior, and the
resources entrusted to us.”
From time to time, I think it’s important we spend a little time talking about the County Values. It is the basis for how we work, how we interact with each other and those we serve, and the approach to our work every single day. I encourage you to take a few minutes to review them and think about your role in delivering quality public service.
ACCOUNTABILITY -- Accepting responsibility for our job performances, actions, behavior, and the resources entrusted to us.
COMMITMENT -- Individual and collective dedication of employees to their jobs and the organization in providing quality services to meet client/customer needs.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY -- Providing a work environment which is fair to all current and prospective employees through equal treatment in employee benefits, promotions, training, continuing education, and daily responsibilities, as well as fair and equitable access for all citizens and consumers of Sedgwick County Services
HONESTY -- Truthful, forthright interaction among employees, management, and the public - which fosters trust, integrity and a lasting working relationship.
OPEN COMMUNICATION -- The honest exchange and processing of ideas and information with the public, coworkers, staff, other departments, and administration.
PROFESSIONALISM -- An individual promoting honesty, respect, pride, positive self image and team effort; adhering to a high standard of ethical conduct, competence, and innovation; and who acknowledges criticism, accepts responsibility, and strives for occupational growth.
RESPECT -- Consistently demonstrating a deep regard for the diversity, needs, feelings, and beliefs of all people, and acknowledging ideas and opinions of every employee, citizen and consumer.
William P. Buchanan
News and Events
Enhancing the Delivery of Public Services by Nonprofit Agencies
The Enhancing the Delivery of Public Services by Nonprofit Agencies report was recognized as an ICMA
Innovation Award Winner in 2004.
The purpose of this report is to identify best practice
among nonprofit organizations that deliver public
services and to make recommendations to Sedgwick County
for improving its contracting procedures to enhance the
delivery of public services provided by nonprofit
agencies. Three content areas will be addressed -
governance, administration and financial management of
nonprofits - and recommendations will be made with
respect to prevention, warning signs and early
interventions.
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