County Administrator Explains Future Plans, Goals For Escambia County

November 20, 2019

Escambia County Administrator Janice Gilley has revealed her plans for the county over the coming months, part of a 100-day review she promised when first hired.

“The first 100 days, there were a lot of things I was looking at and there are many more continuing to unfold,” Gilly told the Escambia County Commission.

She presented a list of visions and goals for county operations, including the restoration of public trust and confidence, improved customer service, improved economic development, fiscal accountability and maintaining infrastructure.

“It sounds great and we would all agree with these aspirations; however, I would say we are not there yet,” Gilley said. “But with the right attitude and consistent movement forward, we can achieve these goals, but it is going to require hard, thoughtful, persistent work on everyone’s part.”

She discussed numerous plans directly related to people – from the commission to community and employees. One of the biggest plans is the launch of a MyGov citizens information portal by next year to make it easier for citizens to obtain information, a simplified public records request procedure and a refreshed website. On the employee side, she will work to combine public safety training, fill vacant positions, refine employee evaluations and more.

Gilley’s report included a list of policy-oriented goals included the development of a seamless and consistent development and building process, an environment in which continuous improvement is expected and improved processes.

“I would label this organization as dysfunction junction in many ways,” Gilley said. “Not because of the people, but because of the processes that I think are lacking at this time. They are either nonexistent or they are very challenging.  I’m not trying to be negative, but I want you all to know there is a lot of work to be done to get this organization into a healthy organization.”

Gilley had 14 senior staff positions to fill, and to date she has filled eight of them. They are:

  • Anthony Bowens — Administrative Assistant in County Administration
  • Laura Coale — Director of Communications and Public Information
  • Tonya Ellis — Director of Mass Transit
  • Jerry Maygarden — Assistant to County Administration
  • Keith Morris — Manager Compliance and Ethics
  • Sharon Pitts — Assistant to the County Administrator
  • Bart Siders — Director of Information Technology
  • Jana Still –Director of Human Resources

“When I came on my first day, I told you that I was here to eat frogs and get bloody in the arena, and I’m still in that position,” Gilley said. “I’m still willing to eat your frogs, and I’m still willing to get bloody in the arena. But there’s a long way to go, and I’m still looking forward to us moving in that direction with your support.”

Comments

6 Responses to “County Administrator Explains Future Plans, Goals For Escambia County”

  1. John Doe on November 20th, 2019 5:23 pm

    employee retention is a big problem. you can try and make it more about the process but losing knowledgeable employees throws a huge wrench into the most carefully laid plans.

  2. Bernie D Silcox on November 20th, 2019 5:14 pm

    What is needed is to keep a check on urban-sprawl.In Barrineau Park, the Roads cant keep-up with the new people.Dbl & tri axel dumptrucks running 20 mph over the posted speed limit of 35 mph.Sunshine Hill Rd is very narrow & with many hidden driveways.It needs to be re-paved & speedbumps in some areas.

  3. How about employee on November 20th, 2019 1:53 pm

    How about employee retention and pay

  4. wilykyote on November 20th, 2019 9:20 am

    Our new Administrator is seemingly doing well as I
    hoped and thought when hired. Our quality of life
    should be included in thoughts of making progress
    in all areas of planning for “We the Citizens”. an
    area not mentioned much is traffic. speed limits and
    control by Law Enforcement is rarely mentioned when
    elections are coming or hiring new Officials . I’m
    aware the Administrator’s plate is full but driving,
    Traffic and safety are essential for the Quality of life
    many of us want !

  5. Wrinkled Eyebrow on November 20th, 2019 8:14 am

    Shields High Ms. Gilley…..

    When that “Good ol’ Boy” click/system in Escambia County butts their way into your plans because it disrupts their agenda; strap in!! Could be in for despairing times Good luck ma’am!!

  6. Whisperjet on November 20th, 2019 7:28 am

    ..sounds very positive..I hope she continues to put forth solutions to the problems confronting our county …the employees of this county deserve that …