Eaton Peabody Consulting Announces Municipal Management Services Division
October 08, 2010
AUGUSTA, MAINE - Long recognized for its services related to master planning, tax increment financing and business development, Eaton Peabody Consulting Group (EPCG) introduces its municipal management assistance division. Municipal consultants Don Gerrish and Dick Metivier join the team.
"We're seeing a need to expand our service diversity in the municipal arena in response to demographic changes, turnover rates, and a changing economic climate for municipalities," said Mat Eddy, EPCG Executive Director.
With over 35 years in municipal management in the State of Maine, Don Gerrish brings extensive experience in all facets of municipal government. Recently retired from the Town of Brunswick after serving 19 years as Town Manager, Gerrish previously managed the Town of Gorham and worked for the Cities of Auburn and Rockland. He will provide services to municipal and quasi municipal clients concentrating on relationship development, goal setting, budget preparation, and staffing.
Dick Metivier, a recognized expert in the field of local financial management, was the Director of Finance for the City of Lewiston for over 30 years. During his 40 years in municipal finance, he served as the Director of the New England States Government Finance Officers Association and Charter President of the Maine Government Finance Officers Association. Dick will provide assistance to communities who are in need of financial or organization guidance.
"We value our long tradition of service to our municipal clients and we are excited about the considerable experience and insight that Don Gerrish and Dick Metivier bring to a deep lineup of professionals," observes Andrew Hamilton, Chair of Eaton Peabody's municipal practice.
Combined with Mat Eddy's decades of municipal planning experience, this team brings a broad array of talent communities need to navigate complicated transitions.
Municipal Management Services include, but are not limited to:
- Practical Training for Newly Elected Bodies. When it comes to substantial board turnover, EPCG provides training that assists boards in local government management. Focused Board training sessions allow EPCG to address issues from management to board behavior.
- Transition Management. Whether in the financial, management, or administrator field, turnover is a difficult challenge to overcome. EPCG provides short-term management support while the community seeks a personnel replacement. In that role, we bring guidance and organization to the community while the community assesses their future direction with new employees.
- Mediation. EPCG brings strong experience in mediation, whether it is in the personnel and union setting, or through issues the have arisen in the community. EPCG is skilled at working with all parties to seek compromise and provide an appropriate decision path.
- Financial Management. Financial management on the local level has become increasingly complex, particularly with recent audit rule change and tax cap strategies. EPCG assists the community in organizing their bookkeeping, identifying safe avenues for investment, capital improvement programming, budgeting, and consolidation.
- Strategic Planning. In addition to comprehensive planning, it is recommended that communities develop a strategic plan to deliver its programs. This team building exercise brings community and staff together, as they learn their responsibilities in achieving the community's vision. In this process, staff will have a sense of empowerment and inclusion as the community moves forward.
- Hiring. Any of the above activities may lead to the need for new staff. EPCG has years of experience in hiring appropriate staff at all levels. As part of that process, we will provide support, develop job descriptions, advertise, review resumes, and organize the interview process.
If your community is experiencing change or is in need of fresh ideas in any of the areas discussed, please call EPCG at 207-622-9820 for more information on how their services can be an asset to your community.
Eaton Peabody Consulting Group
Eaton Peabody Consulting Group (EPCG), subsidiary of Eaton Peabody, is a multi-disciplined consulting team providing an array of economic and community development services. EPCG has the staff and expertise to provide direct assistance at the municipal, regional and state level to business and governmental entities throughout Maine.
This alert information is provided for general information, and is not substitute for legal or other professional advice.