Frequently Asked Questions
"What is the purpose of this study?"
The goal is to put Carroll County Government in a strong position to continue to provide services, at the expected level, to our residents and visitors.
Said another way this effort is about looking at the services we provide, how we are organized to provide them, the positions necessary to provide those services, and how we compensate the people in positions.
"What prompted this organizational review?"
The county’s concern for the recruitment, engagement, and retention of county employees and how recent challenges put significant strain on staff and staff’s efforts to maintain our level of services.
In recent years we’ve had growing difficulty hiring high-quality employees with reduced total numbers of applications as well as reduced qualified applicants. The number of rejected offers increased. We face openings for positions we can’t fill and a future with many expected retirements. The commissioners recognize the problem and agreed the situation needs to be evaluated and addressed.
"Is this COVID-19 pandemic related? "
No. Although COVID-19 created additional pressures on the county, the challenges we have today originate in the Great Recession, and we have not recovered from its impact.
"What is involved with this study? "
The comprehensive study will first evaluate the organizational design of Carroll County Government and then analyze the compensation and classification systems currently in place. Organizational design is the process of aligning the structure of an organization with its objectives, with the ultimate aim of improving efficiency and effectiveness. A compensation and classification study examines our current systems and delivers recommendations to improve the county’s competitive position in the market. We expect this two-pronged process to:
- strengthen our organization
- modernize our people operations
- augment our ability to provide the level of services expected in the county
"Who is leading this effort?"
There is an internal team that includes the County Administrator, Department of Human Resources, and the Department of Management and Budget. The project is supported by the Carroll County Board of Commissioners and the team received concurrence from the board in October.
"Who is the consultant managing the study and why were they chosen?"
The assessment will be conducted by Segal.
Our external consulting partner, Segal, is a nationally recognized consulting firm distinguished for its expertise in the public sector and experience conducting independent and highly collaborative assessment and planning initiatives. Segal’s role will be to provide the county with a comprehensive set of findings and recommendations that will align the structure of our organization with our objectives, with the ultimate aim of improving efficiency and effectiveness, strengthening our organization, modernizing our people operations, and augmenting our ability to provide the service levels expected in the county.
"What are the phases and timelines for the project? "
These are the expected phases of the process:
October/November: Organizational Design Data Collection
December/January: Compensation and Classification Data Collection
March: Initial information anticipated for the budget process
May/June: Work should be complete and final report received
The kickoff for the project was held in early October. The project is expected to be completed by June 2022, with significant data delivered by March 2022 for commissioner discussion during the FY23 budget discussions.
"How will the study be conducted?"
In addition to a review of a variety of documents and data sets, there will be interviews and focus groups with representatives reflecting the CCG organization from various roles in management and staff.
"Will all employees participate?"
All employees have the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. Interviews and focus groups will be spread across a variety of departments and levels. This process will help Segal understand the organization and its challenges.
"Who was chosen to participate in interviews/focus groups and why?"
A wide-ranging representative group of employees was selected to participate in interviews and focus groups. Those not involved in these aspects are encouraged to email and share comments.
"Will interview answers be shared?"
Interviews are confidential and interviewed employees’ comments are non-attributable.
"If I do not participate in an interview of a focus group, are there other ways to share input and ideas? "
Staff is invited to provide their input or comments on the project through a Segal representative. Please send emails to Segal Study at segalstudy@carrollcountymd.gov
"What will happen after the study is complete? "
After collecting this information, we will receive recommendations identifying our greatest opportunities for success and for devising a plan consistent with best practices. The reports and recommendations will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners.
"Is the study intended to reduce staffing? / How could this affect CCG?"
This study in not intended to reduce staffing. This assessment is intended to be a positive, inclusive, and collaborative effort to shape our future structures, services, practices, and plans. While this may challenge us to think about different ways of operating and delivering services and support to our community, it is not intended to reduce our current staff or workforce.
"How can I get updates and information on the project? "
Updates will be discussed at cabinet, administrative management and managerial meetings and should be discussed with intra-departmental meetings.
Follow the progress on the study at the dedicated county webpage: https://carrollcountymd.gov/segalstudy. The site will be updated as new information is available.
Also, please talk with your supervisor or department director if you have questions about the project.
