Update to Consolidation of HR, Purchasing, and Risk Management:
When the City's Risk Manager retired, it was decided that his position would remain vacant and would not be filled. Instead, the functions previously carried by the position were logically divided between Human Resources, Finance, and the City Attorney's Office. Furthermore, positions that were being held temporarily vacant in Purchasing and Human Resources were filled to ensure the sustainability of those departments. The positions that were filled were budgeted. Therefore, the City expects to retain savings which arises from the permanent vacancy of the Risk Manager's position.
There are no barriers to the consolidation of Risk Management, due to the position and department being dissolved. There are two primary barriers to the consolidation of HR and Purchasing:
1) There is not enough physical space in either department for joint-location. Additionally, the RFI for Space/Needs analysis has yet to be issued.
2) This project began when these departments were deemed unsustainable. By filling vacant positions that were included in the budget, these Departments are now sustainable.
UPDATE: The collaboration has been successful, as each departments has worked diligently to keep up lines of communication, allowing for operation to remain efficient.