We’ve challenged Newton County Chairman Kathy Morgan recently to take more opportunities to run Newton County government as a business.

It should be noted that Morgan is a successful businesswoman in the private sector and that the county has already taken steps in that direction. That’s exemplified in the streamlining of its services through the Department of Developmental Services.

As we reported on Wednesday, the county created the department as a one-stop shop, combining planning and zoning departments with geographic information systems. That means if you need help with building permits and inspections, code enforcement, business licenses, planning, zoning and related services, you contact Development Services.

That’s efficient, and that makes great business sense.

That makes for good customer service, too. Less time will be wasted running around from office to office, receiving contradictory advice.

The county also has shown its sensitivity to customer service by setting up a dedicated telephone number to handle code violation complaints. The county’s attentiveness is appreciated.

The county also consolidated department workers into a smaller office, saving utility costs, another smart move.

Hard times call for lean operations and to do more with less. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on quality, though, and Newton County government seems to be on the right path.