Armidale Regional Council CEO Susan Law remained optimistic and confident following a small budget surplus and some positive momentum, which was bringing some major dividends to council's bottom line and service levels.
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"We are exploring every opportunity to transform the organisation into a progressive regional council that gets things done and puts the region in a strong position for the long term," she said.
"How long has it been since you walked inside a bank to withdraw some money?
"Doing business with the council should be as modern and as digital as it is doing your banking."
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Mrs Law said council was embracing new technology and other opportunities, with electronic rates notices and water bills already available. She said council was in the process of inspecting itself.
"It's about looking at how we do our business, how we go about our work and how we can do things more efficiently and cost effectively, and also putting more authority in our staff to be able to resolve matters at the first point of contact," she said.
"We're looking at putting electronic kiosks in our main building and perhaps at the library as well, to enable people to transact business there.
"That will free up our staff for some of the more complex inquiries."
She said council four-year 2022 Transformation Program was bringing many improvements in council operations and its services to the community.
"Our organisation is always focused on continuous improvement. However, with the amalgamation process now effectively in place and the wealth of technological advancements on offer, the time is right for a more concerted program to transform the organisation," Mrs Law said.
"Each improvement, from fine-tuning to sweeping changes, is designed to strengthen our financial position and the services we can offer, so we are best placed to lead this region towards a prosperous future."