GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD (GASB)

RAMSEY COUNTY, MN

This case describes the development of a performance management system in the Community Human Services Department of Ramsey County, MN. A new division within the department, the Office of Research and Evaluation, was responsible for developing an evaluation system for all County-contracted services. Programs and agencies that may find this case study relevant include states, counties or cities that contract out services, and state, municipal or county human service departments.

The County does not use performance data to directly guide contract renewal decisions, but does use the data to facilitate improvements in service delivery and changes in program design. County officials believe that frequent changes in providers are disruptive to clients receiving long term care, and that in most human services program areas, few capable alternative providers exist. Because of the belief in using performance data to improve programs rather than change providers, the County achieved a higher level of cooperation and support from their service providers. In a case where a provider failed to meet minimum performance expectations, the County brought the provider together with a successful provider in the same program area. The struggling provider redesigned their program based upon the successful one, and its performance data improved. Office of Evaluation and Research staff members play a role in the strategic planning and indicator development process along with managers of each service provider. The County plans to modify its system in the future to better link the focus of evaluation efforts to broader strategic goals of the county. Performance indicators currently include input, process, efficiency, and outcome data.  No mention of citizen involvement.

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 Local Governments:

Austin, TX; Multnomah County, OR; Portland, OR; Prince William County, VA; Tucson, AZ; Phoenix, AZ; Winston-Salem, NC; Catawba County, NC; Dayton, OH; Coral Springs, FL; Long Beach, CA; Ramsey County, MN 

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Arizona, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Oregon, Texas

 Background Information:

• GASB Performance Measurement Home
• Background on GASB and Performance Measurement
• Service Efforts and Accomplishments Reports