Department Heads Seek Progress With Tight Budgets

SALISBURY, Md. (AP) -- There are daily challenges -- namely dwindling budgets -- associated with running a city department. But three newly appointed department heads in Salisbury are diving right in and embracing a "do more with less" mentality.

Roughly three months ago, Barbara Duncan, Jeff Simpson and John Wright took the reins of the police department, the fire department and the newly established information technology department, respectively.

Their most challenging task: run the departments as efficiently as possible to be sure tax dollars are spent responsibly while also moving forward with initiatives to improve conditions for residents and city employees.

Duncan came to Salisbury from Mount Vernon, N.Y., where she served as chief of police, supervising 212 sworn officers and 50 civilians. She's originally from Dover and spent her summers in Ocean City; therefore, the transition has been relatively easy.

"This area holds a very special meaning to me, and I'm very happy to be back," she said.

So far, Duncan has implemented several policies aimed to streamline operations. Among the most notable is the reinstatement of the position of colonel, assistant chief of police -- a move that not only streamlines operations but also creates a new police officer position and saves the city $34,000 annually. Ivan Barkley, the former acting chief of police, was recently promoted to that position.

In moving forward, Duncan plans to focus on gang-related crime.

Dismantling the city's two most prevalent gangs is high on the list, she said, but youth gang prevention to "break the cycle" is important as well.

"The youth is the future of this city," Duncan said. "If we, as the ones in charge, can't break that cycle now, we'll never see the safe and economically viable city everyone wants."

On Jan. 27, the department hosted what Duncan said will be an annual awards ceremony for sworn police officers and civilians. Six officers were elevated in rank, recent retirees were honored and awards were given for "outstanding service, above and beyond the call of duty."

Since his appointment Nov. 1, Simpson said he's been working to get to know the members of his department by attending volunteer meetings, participating in training exercises and eating dinner with career shifts.

Although he's an "outsider" -- he came to the city from Hanover County, Va., where he was battalion chief of operations for the fire department -- Simpson said "everyone's welcomed me with a warm reception. It feels like home."

Simpson's made training exercises a priority because "weekly training keeps their skills sharp and enhances their concentration on safety and survival."

He's also implemented an officer that focuses mainly on safety practices and policies.

"Incident accountability is a high priority for me," he said.

Simpson said because the department receives more emergency service calls than they do fire calls, he's working to enhance responders' capabilities through additional training and new equipment. In addition to recently acquired defibrillators, he hopes to incorporate new ambulances into the department's fleet.

The chief has also started handing out awards for "achievement and going above and beyond. It doesn't cost us anything to say 'thank you.' "

Wright doesn't have as much manpower as the chiefs, so he's becoming proficient in running a one-man show. He does, however, have assistance from an IT tech through the police department.

The biggest difference between his new job and his former job -- he was a senior IT consultant for Affordable Business Systems -- is the slower pace.

"In the private sector, you're used to moving much faster. The city has protocols you have to follow," he said. "But they're there for a very good reason: to be sure we're not wasting taxpayer's dollars."

Before Wright's appointment, the city's computers were maintained by the county's IT department, making it difficult to quickly address problems. Now, Wright is able to respond almost immediately.

"The county does a fantastic job, but they have the whole county to deal with," he said. "I'm able to help people a little quicker."

Wright's main project, he said, is a fiber optic system that would connect all city departments through a wireless network. He's also working on modifications to enhance the city's website.

"This is a challenge but it's probably the best job I've ever had," he said. "I certainly look forward to bringing our computer systems into the 21st century, so to speak."

Teresa Gardner, director of Public Works, celebrated her one-year anniversary. She's a former civil engineer program manager for the Delaware Department of Transportation. In reflecting on her tenure, Gardner said she's most proud of the city's hard work during the past year's snow and rain events, as well as the department's ability to establish a good working relationship with businesses.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)