Skip to main content

Efficiency

 

We’ve been doing it for years. Continuous improvement is already part of the culture at City Hall. Now it’s time to take it to the next level.  

 

Efficiency doesn’t have to mean cuts to service. In fact, the best solutions improve service with the same resources, find smarter ways to work, and get more value from every tax dollar.

1. Speed up value-for-money audits, service reviews, and best-practice scans

See savings sooner. Update the schedule and bring forward ideas with the highest potential cost savings.

Potential savings of $100,000 – $1 million over four years.
2. Engage our staff in the solutions

They are the experts, and they want to help. Implement an internal “suggestion box” with an incentive and recognition program.

Unlimited potential.
3. Explore a universal quality management system

A system used consistently throughout the organization.

Potential savings of $100,000 – $200,000 in staff time and external consulting.
4. Implement shared services with public partners

Shared purchasing, staff, and technology systems with school boards, County of Wellington, and other public agencies — including fleet maintenance, IT, and HR admin.

Potential savings of $100,000 – $500,000, depending on the service or commodity (hard costs vs. labour savings).
5. Expand digital service delivery and AI tools

Use AI tools for administrative tasks such as scheduling, invoicing, and online customer inquiries.

Potential savings of $200,000 – $300,000 through avoidance of staffing growth proportionate to population.
6. Optimize fleet management and maintenance

Right-sizing and vehicle sharing, plus local maintenance of specialty vehicles.

$100,000 – $150,000 annual savings (lower fuel and replacement costs) and creation of local jobs.
7. Benchmark against Ontario comparators

Using the annual Municipal Benchmarking Network study, identify significant variances for Guelph among Ontario comparators and report publicly on rationale or recommendations for service adjustments.

Continuous improvement and accountability. Potential $100,000 – $500,000 depending on findings.
8. Create a joint City–board efficiency task force

Achieve a mandate to find 1–2% in annual administrative savings across all six outside boards without cutting frontline service.

1% = $1.36 million
2% = $2.72 million
9. Tie hiring growth to population growth

Establish a staff-per-capita-based approach to hiring, consistent with comparator municipalities. Hiring outside the benchmark would require additional rigour and validation during the budget process.

Potential savings between $400,000 – $1 million.
10. Learn from other municipalities

Scan service reviews and audits from other municipalities and translate efficiencies locally.

Savings from external consultants, research, and optimized performance.