FREEHOLD – Looking for ways to enhance the county’s own recycling program, county mechanic Supervisor Donald Archibald thought it would be a good idea to include old brake drums and dented vehicle panels. The idea has paid off – for Archibald and Monmouth County.
 
Last week, the Board of Chosen Freeholders announced that Archibald is the first to be recognized under the county’s new employee suggestion program. Archibald, supervisor of the Car Shop within the Division of Fleet Services, earned $400, or 10 percent, of the projected $4,000 in potential new revenue.

 

“I am very happy to be recognized because I knew it would generate some revenue,” said Archibald, a 27-year county employee. “I’m pleased that the freeholders have provided a means for employees to make suggestions that improve services and save money. They deserve credit as well.”
 
The Employee Suggestion Awards Program was created earlier this year to provide an incentive to county employees who suggest process improvements beyond the scope of their usual duties. Suggestions must result in cost savings or new revenue, or improved service to the public.
 
The program encourages employees to offer specific ideas to save time, money, equipment and supplies, to help train employees and to improve working conditions.

“This initiative was designed to encourage our employees to think critically about how they do their jobs,” said Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow, who announced last week that Archibald had been selected. “We want to improve the delivery of services by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of all county operations by encouraging our greatest resource – the employee.”

 

Employees will be recognized quarterly. Suggestions that result in at least $1,000 in savings or new revenue will earn the employee a 10 percent award, based on the first year of savings or income. If the recommendation hits the $500 to $999 mark, an employee would receive 5 percent. Savings and suggestions with a value of $499 or less will be recognized with a certificate. 

“As evidenced by Mr. Archibald’s excellent idea, this is a valuable tool to help us identify efficiencies through county government and provide real savings for taxpayers,” Freeholder William C. Barham said. “I congratulate Mr. Archibald and encourage other employees to submit their ideas.”

 

“I am extremely proud that an employee from this department received the first award,” said John W. Tobia, director of the county’s Department of Public Works & Engineering. “Even though this is the first monetary award for an idea, our employees have identified about $70,000 in savings or revenue this past year by recycling scrap steel such old highway signs, guide rail and corrugated pipe.”

The Employee Suggestion Awards Program was recommended by the bipartisan, 2007 Budget Review Committee. The Budget Review Committee was set up to identify cost savings, potential revenue increases and overall process enhancements to the Monmouth County budget.

In addition to Freeholder McMorrow, four county staff members comprise the review team that selects the winners.

#    #    #