Recent media reports have focused on the hiring of consultants, particularly in public the sector. Following are several reasons why consultants are employed.
Consultants provide an independent and outside perspective required on some projects to comply with Federal and state regulations or City ordinances.
Consultants are utilized when the project is a nonrecurring one or if the City may be short of critical expertise. Some projects occur infrequently, or call for special skills that cannot be learned quickly or easily by staff. Other projects require a quick turnaround. During peak demands there is an economy of scale utilizing consultants; engaging a consultant is cost effective and will be less expensive in the long run than hiring new employees or managers.
Consultants possess specialized qualifications. For example, a consultant gains experiences from different organizations, providing the City with best practices. An experienced consultant possesses special knowledge, skills that should have the greatest probability of providing a successful resolution. Consultants provide expertise, enabling City staff to verify and review the solution for City Council approval.
Consultants provide an independent and objective viewpoint on projects and are detached from the internal politics of the organization. A consultant is able to bring a necessary detachment to the problems faced by the organization.
For additional information, please contact officials in the City Manager Office or the Finance Department.
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