Not a day goes by without word of another looming crisis requiring large public investment and inevitably higher taxes: Public education, pensions, border control, transportation, prisons and more.

At Maricopa County, we face many of those same demands, but understand that we cannot saddle our taxpayers with increasing property tax burdens. So we apply strict fiscal discipline and a business mindset to everything we do. We’re a county that must focus on needs, not wants.

We do have one advantage, however. We partner with state and local governments, non-profit organizations and charities. This way, we expand our resources and extend our reach, serving more of our constituents.

Just recently, the Town of Fountain Hills and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County collaborated on a project to repair the Ashbrook Wash between Bayfield Drive and Del Cambre Avenue. Two culverts at Saguaro Boulevard at Bayfield Drive will be reconfigured, creating an all-weather crossing and improved water flows. The $2 million project should be completed by next spring, in advance of the next monsoon season.

We are also looking inward, not only at what we do at the county level, but who is doing the work. As board chairman, I was proud to launch a personnel reform effort this year. The goals: Making the county's workforce more accountable and efficient, competitive and productive. Cutting bureaucratic red tape so that the county can move quickly to hire the best job applicants. Rewarding performance, while giving supervisors the flexibility needed to deal appropriately with the weakest-performing workers.

We do not want to create an environment where mediocrity becomes acceptable, or high performers discouraged. We are at a moment in history when we need to find creative ways to provide services at a lower cost to the taxpayer. This board expects lean, efficient operations and outstanding customer service. And the public deserves no less.

The county is also focused on Smart Justice. Smart Justice promotes the application of evidence-based principles and practices to improve public safety outcomes. That means slowing the revolving door of crime, incarceration, release and repeat offense. The strategy is clear and proven. Individuals who are moderate-to-high risk to commit new offenses are targeted for treatment and interventions that are effective in reducing recidivism. Alternately, individuals who are low risk to reoffend are managed in a manner that minimizes contact with the justice system and preserves pro-social factors (e.g., employment, school, family, etc.).

This year, Maricopa County government agencies won 47 individual achievements awards, the most in the nation, from the National Association of Counties. The NACo awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services, create efficiencies and save taxpayers money. I often talk about Maricopa County being “First in Class,” the best…a national leader...in the delivery of needed public services. We are gaining that reputation nationally.

Maricopa County is open to change and collaboration. We are finding better ways to serve you because that is what you elected us to do.

Steve Chucri is chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and a Paradise Valley resident.