‘Let’s take HRM up a notch’: AG seeks public tips
Posted Apr 25, 2012 05:58:06 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HRM has opened a high-tech suggestion box for public feedback.
The T.I.P.S. Hotline — short for Taking Improvement and Performance Seriously — has been available to municipal staff for the past year, collecting anonymous feedback about inefficiencies or wasted resources.
Municipal Auditor General, Larry Munroe, tells News 95.7 the initiative will now be open to the general public.
“We were looking to say to people, let’s take HRM up a notch or two when it comes to performance and efficiencies,” he said.
Munroe says he’s looking for minor suggestions to make operations more efficient, which he will pass on to managers, as well as major complaints that required further investigation.
Residents can call 490-1144 or visit HRM’s website to submit information. http://www.halifax.ca/AuditorGeneral
“There is a form they can complete for information they can provide us,” Munroe said. “We will treat those the same way we’ve treated all the other pieces of information that have been brought to our attention in the last year.”
Munroe says information received via the tip line has already led to an investigation into Metro Transit workers’ overtime.
“We had a couple situations to question it [the overtime] and I already had it on my mind. But the dots didn’t connect,” Munroe explained. “Tips helped let us know maybe we should move it up on our agenda and work on it.”
He published a report earlier this year showing Metro Transit overtime cost the city $10 to $12 million annually.
The hotline is completely anonymous and contributors will not be contacted unless it’s absolutely necessary to obtain more details.
Munroe adds that all reports of emergencies should still be directed to 911, and non-emergency criminal activities should be reported to 490-5020.
