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you for your support and hard work to help make the transition as smooth as possible." NEWS AND NOTICE Three days earlier, on March 25, Harmer sent an electronic letter to all county employees. "During the past few months," he wrote, "I have had the opportunity to evaluate our operations and receive feedback from var- ious groups about the service we provide. Based on that assessment, I continue to be impressed with the quality of the services … and the work effort of our staff. … You have helped create a culture centered on excellent customer service and a sincere concern for our residents and visitors — and you have kept that alive during one of the worst eco- nomic downturns in history." He added, "As we cautiously go forward in an improving economy, I have tried to thoughtfully consider how best to build on this foundation. It is critical that we carefully consider how we address increasing service levels and resource demands within a leaner government model." In a March 28 news release during which he announced an array of changes that will go into effect on Oct. 1, Harmer said, "I believe in the basic fundamentals, direct communica- tion, accountability and productivity. … The improved structure is designed to create cost savings, maximize resources, streamline pro- cesses and realign services within functional areas; so we can better serve our community and meet our goals." The list of changes laid out in that news release follows: • Separating Public Utilities from the Public Works Department. • Grouping all Public Works functions under one department and under the supervision of one director. • Aligning all development, planning, zon- ing, permitting, environmental protection and regulatory functions, as well as Neighborhood Services and the Community Redevelopment Areas program, within one department — Planning and Development Services. • Consolidating the Parks and Recreation Department with the natural resources/ lands-management function into one department. Steve Uebelacker. Image courtesy Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader April 4, 2014 Page 21