Management Study Calls for

In a cover letter accompanying the "Organizational Analysis of the Town of Gilford," prepared by Municipal Resources, Inc. of Meredith, the Board of Selectmen offered a mixed review of the report.

"In general, the study indicates that the Town of Gilford is free of major operational problems and is managed by competent, committed individuals," they wrote. But, they added they disagree with sections of the report, some which contain "reportage that appear to be erroneous." Furthermore, the selectmen stress that "we are disappointed with, and deeply regret some of the commentary that we would characterize as personal in nature," saying these references should not have been included in the report.

The 70 page study ranges widely over all aspects of municipal government in the town. In general, it concludes that "Gilford has relatively few problems, and those that Gilford have largely result from poor communication and lack of a shared vision."

After stating that "it is very rare for us to work in a community with so many positives, so much opportunity, and so few serious problems," the report warns that "deteriorating relationships at various levels of the organization, combined with a weak management structure, could lead to a less healthy and more dysfunctional environment where lack of respect and accountability, and a growing sense of 'us against them' proliferates."

The report indicates that the "us against them" attitude "permeates" the Town Clerk/Tax Collector's office, where employees feel "disassociated from others who work for the town and seem to behave accordingly." Moreover, the selectmen are urged to address "the antagonism between the Town Clerk and the Town Administrator, the Finance Director and the Police chief, and a 'cease fire' should be negotiated."

Lack of vision, the report traces to selectmen. After lauding department heads for "a clear sense of purpose and mission, the authors write that "Leadership from the top of the organization is a bit fuzzier. The board of Selectmen, while clearly united in wanting 'what's best for the community,' have not developed a common vision of 'what's best', nor have they created and communicated a clear organizational mission and purpose statement through the establishment of goals and objectives."

Among the most important recommendations in the report are steps to refine the role of the Town Administrator, strengthen the chain of command and develop a "shared long-term vision" among elected leaders.