The NCUA Budget Process: Part 8...

We need to return to one key idea:

A BUDGET IS THE END OF A THOUGHT PROCESS,

NOT THE BEGINNING.
( so a wee bit late to ask for comments!)

Look at the message in the chart below! 

How should the NCUA and the National Treasury Employees' Union
(no to 47 eliminated examiners, no to more contracted services) address the harsh reality of a shrinking/consolidating credit union industry ? 

The harsh reality that cyber-technology ("automation") and analytical software ("Big data") can gather and analyze the safety and soundness of a credit union more thoroughly, more timely, and less expensively than most experienced examiners. (...and, do not travel, rent cars, nor stay in hotels!)  

The harsh reality that few of the current NCUA field staff are qualified with the skills to manage the near future regulatory requirements at the NCUA; and that outside "contracted services" providers may well be able to perform the new, more complex regulatory functions "quicker, better, and cheaper".

The harsh reality that over 80% of the current budget ($240 million - including salaries, benefits, and travel) is personnel related costs. And that $290 million 2016 budget is scheduled to rise to $313 million in just two years.

 "NCUA staff are the agency's most important asset..."

Chair Rick Metsger

NCUA Strategic Plan

OK, but all we see is wishful thinking in this budget! Which means those "most important assets" are effectively being...

... thrown under "the NCUA futures bus"!

Is that the best way to manage the future of "most important assets"?

ACCOUNTABILITY - COMPETENCE - TRANSPARENCY

["ACT"]