AUGUSTA (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci, hearing details of a plan for unifying the state’s two big social service departments, said Friday he expects to put forth his choice to head a merged superagency by the end of the month.

The governor disclosed his intention at a public briefing for him by members of an advisory council who have developed recommendations on how to combine Maine’s Department of Human Services and the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services, which seeks to foster mental health.

Baldacci declared his goal of bringing the two departments together in his inaugural address two years ago. “Is it going to happen overnight?” he asked rhetorically on Friday. “No, but it is going to happen.”

The governor has already persuaded lawmakers to book merger-related savings of nearly $6 million for fiscal 2005, which begins July 1, and Baldacci budget chief Rebecca Wyke said Friday the administration remains confident that those savings will be realized.

Baldacci maintains that combining government functions can streamline the delivery of services and save money.

Much of the social service agencies’ merger proposal would need legislative support.

The administration believes a merger could result in the elimination of a dozen senior management positions in the two departments, producing savings of nearly $1.3 million.

At least 19 other positions might also be cut, the administration suggests.

Recommendations from the reorganization advisory council include a call for easing access to the numerous programs run and overseen by the two departments, with any eye toward reducing the need for people seeking assistance to deal with layers of bureaucracy.

The advisory council similarly called for simplifications in administration, which could include standardizing contracting, licensing and accreditation.

The report to the governor recommends the establishment of a Bureau of Children and Families within a new department to manage programs in child care and development, Head Start, mental health, mental retardation, developmental disabilities, autism, child protection, adoption and foster care.

The advisory council also urged emphasis on fair and timely methods of handling and reviewing complaints and appeals.

“Responsiveness requires communication between customers and the department that is open and honest,” the report said. “Customers, providers and staff need to know where and how to file a complaint, appeal a decision or seek advocacy services.”

According to the report, the two existing departments administer hundreds of contracts worth $450 million. The number of positions authorized for the mental health department is 1,350, while for the human services department the position count is 2,620.

The two departments spend more than $2 billion on programs, services and financial assistance and maintain a network of about 600 local community service providers. “Given the common client service characteristics, the council recommends that the new department’s consumer focus be centered on a common financial intake/screening and case management system,” the report said.

AP-ES-01-16-04 1618EST