Expedited Conversion of Meters

In order to defray operational cost for the department, the director proposed that we expedite the conversion to radio read meters within the next 18 months versus the next 5 years. My job was to assemble the research for the cost and savings of this conversion. It took about 4 weeks to retrieve exact numbers from the supervisors budget and finance.

In the end, we figured that the department could save over $300,000 in personnel and operating cost. With the assistance of my assistant director, we put together a proposal that was presented to the City Manager. I was included in this meeting and very excited to share my information. I couldn't believe that my work was helping the City Manager's Office make a decision.

And then, I felt awful when I realized that the numbers calculated would result in the justification for laying off 4 workers the following week. I know that it was the right thing to do for the department and the city but it didn't make me feel any better. You could say that this was my hardest experience within my internship. However, it let me see the other side of being a City Manager. Its not always going to be easy and in difficult times you have to be able to make and carry out those tough decisions.

Definitely, a learning experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life!