John L. Daly

County impact fee adoptions as policy innovations: a search for theory

This study documents the importance of employing an integrated model to explain innovative policy making among county governments in Florida. Specifically, it suggests that both internal determinants and regional diffusion factors influence the adoption of county impact fees. While rapid growth and impending county commission elections appear to be factors motivating adoption, the tendency to adopt can be offset by a substantial low-income population. Nevertheless, obstacles to adoption can be overcome where cities within the county have previously adopted an impact fee.

The Paradox of Citizen Service Evaluations and Tax/Fee Preferences: the Case of Two Small Cities

This study of two small cities in Florida helps us understand the paradox of local government citizens holding inconsistent views of service evaluations and tax/fee preferences. The analysis suggests that this inconsistency results from citizen attitudes being predicated on different considerations. Whereas service evaluations appear to be based on general attitudes toward city government and the community, tax/fee preferences are influenced more by self-interest factors. Moreover, self-interest indicators seem to be better predictors of tax/fee views for services that are associated with specific groups of city residents (e.g., parks and recreation).

P-card utilization in municipal government: advantages and concerns

P-card (i.e., procurement card) programs have been praised as innovative means for procurement systems to save fiscal resources for municipal government while granting greater purchasing discretion for departmental endusers. Using Hillsborough County (Tampa), Florida as a case study, the authors identify four critical factors that influence the successful implementation of municipal P-card systems. In the final analysis, the authors suggest that the distinction between organizational success and failure for these programs is likely to be a factor of organizational commitment more than technical capacity.

Toward a Shared Services Model for the Delivery of Public Affairs Education

Abstract This article examines the feasibility of online course sharing among Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Our cross-sectional study methodology based on a 2013 NASPAA survey identifies the point-in-time interest in such course sharing among NASPAA-accredited programs. Survey data indicate substantial interest in the idea as well as challenges. This article also describes possible funding models and reports on discussions to implement course sharing in public affairs programs in the University of North Carolina system. We conclude by recommending that online course sharing be planned first through agreements among universities within states and then by building toward collaborations among universities in different states and abroad. We recommend that NASPAA play a central role in creating and managing exchanges within and among states.

The Strategic Implications Of Automation In Public Sector Human Resource Management

The proliferation of microcomputer based software now permits the partial automation of personnel operations. Future applications of information systems technology to public sector human resource management depend on a knowledge of public management information requirements and of the organizational effects of automating personnel operations. There is some possibility, however, that careful planning regarding the application of a rich store of personnel management software to work force information system development will pay divi dends in terms of effective human resource management.