Town Manager Report
The past five months have been a whirlwind of activity. I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed my time in Bristol so far. If I haven’t had a chance to meet you in person as of yet let me start by telling you a little bit about myself. I am a mother of three: Ashley age 10, Christopher age 15, and Craig Jr. age 18. I have been married for more than 18 years to my husband Craig whom I met while attending middle school here in Bristol over 20 years ago. I am a Certified Public Manager and I have a Bachelors degree in accounting which I have found very helpful in this profession. Most recently, I worked in the town of Plymouth for more than eight years. Starting as their finance officer in 1998 and moving just a couple years later into the seat of Town Administrator. I enjoyed my eight years in Plymouth but I was ready for the next step. I was ready to be a Town Manager. So when the Town of Bristol made the change to the Town Manager form of government it caught my attention.
Bristol’s Town Manager Selection process was a very in-depth and thorough process that not only gave the people of Bristol a chance to learn more about me but it also gave me a chance to learn more about the direction of the town and what it was the town was hoping to gain from a town manager. It was important for me to know that my personality and skill set would be the right match for the community. I learned that those representing the community were looking for an individual who would bring an increased level of professionalism, management skills, and experience. Someone who is open and approachable yet able to immediately get down to business and address some long standing issues. It was clear to me that the goal for the new Town manager was and is to make government more effective and efficient. This is exactly what I have attempted to begin to do over the last several months.
I have spent a great deal of my time working on a budget process that was already in full swing when I walked in the door mid October. The Selectboard, department heads, employees, committee members and people of the community have been extremely supportive and helpful as I transitioned into my position but there was a great deal to get done in a short period of time. Not only was the budget process in full swing and very time-consuming but an assessment update project was concluding and it was time to set the tax rate. I am happy to report that even with all that was occurring we have made several positive changes in a short period of time. These changes were aimed at addressing areas of town government that were in needing immediate modification to improve consistency, fairness and efficiency. I hope that you will give the proposals outlined here and in your town report a close look and favorable consideration.
First, we have a new assessing firm coming on board, Commerford Nieder and Perkins LLC, who will not only bring years of experience and a great reputation but more importantly consistency over the next five years of their contract. Accurate and fair assessments are extremely important in every community but even more so in small communities such as Bristol where even the smallest shift in the tax base is felt by all.
Also, within the first few weeks on the job I made several recommendations regarding changes to our purchasing polices to help ensure consistency among departments with purchasing procedures while encouraging an open fair bidding process.
Next, I have a plan in front of the voters this year to address inconsistencies with zoning enforcement through the proposed combination of the current part time Permit coordinator and Health officer into one full time Land Use Enforcement/Health officer. Enforcement has been hit or miss over the years and combining two part time positions into one full time “professional” will bring consistency and fairness to zoning enforcement. As a taxpayer, I feel it is important for you to know that the rules apply to everyone and there is equality in how they are being applied. When a planning board or zoning board stipulation is placed on your neighbor’s property I want you to feel confident that the Land Use Enforcement Officer is checking to make sure stipulations are being complied with. When you call with a concern I want you to know there is a knowledgeable person on the other end of the phone that will investigate and seek a resolution. The person chosen for this position will have years of experience with zoning regulations and be capable of making recommendations to the zoning board, planning board and Selectboard regarding possible future changes to the town’s ordinances. It is important to note that this person does not have the authority to create new rules. He/she is only enforcing those ordinances already in existence and making recommendations to the respective boards for possible future improvements. This is not a building inspector as the Town currently has not adopted a building code. This position is really about ensuring consistent compliance with current zoning ordinances, enhancing communication between departments and respective boards regarding pending applications and educating property owners.
Lastly, my accounting and budgeting skills have proved useful over the last few months as I have been addressing bookkeeping issues uncovered during the budget process. I have been attempting to set a path for consistent accounting and budgeting procedures for the future. A path that would involve planning for the short term as well as long term needs of the community.
I want to leave you with one last thought. I learned a long time ago that the only way I can be successful at the things that I hope to accomplish as a manager is to help those who work with me to also be successful. It takes a great team of employees, department heads and volunteers to accomplish projects and meet objectives. What I do alone is meaningless unless I have the support of the Selectboard, the employees, various boards, committees, volunteers and the overall support of the community. I want to thank those that put me in this position for their support and their vote of confidence. I want them and all of you to know that I will continue to work hard to earn your trust and support. Together is the only way that we will truly be able to accomplish anything.
Elizabeth A. Corrow
Bristol Town Manager
Phone: 744-3354 Fax: 744-2521