The concept being talked about was accountability, something several commissioners and new City Administrator George Kolb have championed in recent months as budget cuts have riddled the operations of city departments.

The computer-based program that has given accountability to Baltimore's government offices - from the health department to its parks and recreation facilities - is called CitiStat.

In a telephone conference with CitiStat Director of Operations Matt Gallagher, Augusta officials received an overview - and what some hope is a preview for the Garden City - of how computer tracking technology can cut waste and improve service in local government. The computer program saved the city a reported $13.2 million in its first year of operation, $6 million of that in reduced overtime costs.

In the coming weeks, commissioners will review the costs and benefits of CitiStat to see whether such a program could work in Augusta. Start-up costs in Baltimore were $20,000 for equipment and renovations, plus salaries for four full-time employees.

In addition to tracking overtime costs and absenteeism in city departments, CitiStat, which operates using Microsoft computer software, tracks on a two-week basis the productivity of government operations, such as:

The number of city-owned lots mowed by public works employees

Complaints about solid-waste collection service

The number of vacant homes identified and inspected by housing officials

The number of restaurants closed down by the health department.

CitiStat reports are funneled through the mayor's office and posted on the city's Web site for public viewing. Mr. Gallagher guided officials through the Internet pages Monday to explain the program.

''One reason we like it is it's a reason to implement this total quality management concept,'' said Commissioner Steve Shepard, who organized Monday's teleconference on CitiStat.

Reach Heidi Coryell Williams at (706) 823-3215.