Hernando County commissioner pitches local DOGE-like government efficiency committee

Hernando County's Board of County Commissioners is considering the formation of a local Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a concept introduced by District 1 Commissioner Ryan Amsler. In a recent meeting, Amsler advocated for a citizen-led delegation to assess local government operations and identify areas for improvement. He highlighted the importance of including professionals with diverse expertise, such as electricians, stay-at-home parents, financial analysts, and engineers, to ensure community representation. The goal is to explore efficient practices that could lead to cost savings for taxpayers, particularly in purchasing and job bidding processes. Amsler is aware that the idea may not resonate with everyone but believes it could ultimately benefit both the government and citizens.

He aims to collaborate with the county to draft a proposal within the next month, marking the early stages of this initiative. The concept of DOGE has gained attention nationally, especially with its association with Elon Musk's federal efforts, making this local proposal timely and relevant. Amsler's vision reflects a growing emphasis on efficiency in local governance, seeking to enhance service delivery and community engagement.