By Jen Lebron Kuhney
The Arizona Republic
This month, auditors will examine problems in Surprise’s Public Works Department, an agency that has been shaken by layoffs, multiple discrimination complaints, low morale and management woes.
In the weeks leading up to the audit, two high-level department officials have resigned.
The $45,500 audit will help Surprise move forward, City Councilman Mike Woodard said, adding that he doesn’t believe there are any deep-seated issues.
“Let’s go in and find out what’s wrong and correct it before it affects services.”
San Jose-based Management Partners will examine Public Works employees’ needs, the department’s structure and managers’ relationships with workers. The audit is expected to last several months, but will not affect city services, Surprise officials have said.
The audit is an important step for a department that became a “monster” in size and scope over the past few years, Woodard said.
