(TNS) — Constructing belief and transparency is without doubt one of the 4 “strategic objectives” for Grand Traverse County in 2024-2027.
The brand new departmental studies offered on the county board assembly Wednesday are a tangible a part of that dedication, directors mentioned, with extra to come back all year long.
The hassle comes at a time when belief in authorities is close to an all-time low throughout the nation.
At present, 22 % of Individuals say they belief the federal authorities to do what is true “nearly at all times,” down from about 75 % in 1958, based on the Pew Analysis Heart.
However the image is completely different on the native degree. Greater than two-thirds — 67 % — of Individuals say they think about native authorities to do the suitable factor, based on a current Gallup ballot.
This issues as a result of practically 96 % of all elected officers within the U.S. serve on the native degree. State and federal ranges, mixed, account for 4 %.
Whereas cable tv information focuses totally on Washington politics, the insurance policies that the majority have an effect on each day life often originate with county commissions, metropolis councils and college boards.
EXPANDING INFO FLOW
Lately, Grand Traverse County has elevated the quantity of detailed data accessible to the general public, with some exceptions, in an ongoing try and construct higher belief and transparency.
Wednesday’s county board research session was a working example.
Commissioners noticed public displays from 5 operational areas — form of a “mid-year replace” for elected leaders.
Info from these studies, which can be found on-line, reveal some fascinating particulars from the entrance strains of county authorities.
For instance:
HUMAN RESOURCES
Donna Kinsey , director of human assets, talked about her division’s “evolving function” in supporting practically 600 workers throughout all county departments.
The HR workforce is at a “pivotal level, balancing technological developments with the necessity for human-centric methods,” she mentioned.
By harnessing new software program and greatest practices, the division is streamlining key duties like new worker onboarding, recordkeeping, attendance and coaching, she added.
HR can be launching a brand new worker guidebook to advertise a constructive tradition whereas enhancing readability about essential insurance policies.
The county employed a complete of 105 individuals in 2024 and 54 to this point this yr. HR staffers proceed to give attention to “hard-to-fill” positions resembling correctional officers, public well being nurses and homemaker aids.
The turnover price amongst county workers was 19 % in 2024 and stands at 9.5 % to this point in 2025.
Nationwide, turnover charges within the authorities sector ranges from about 18 % to 25 %, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The turnover price in sectors like retail and hospitality are often a lot greater.
In 2024, a complete of 110 workers “separated” (left county authorities), together with 80 voluntary departures, 16 retirements and 14 involuntary departures. That compares to 39 voluntary, 11 retirements and 4 involuntary departures to this point in 2025.
Kinsey mentioned the HR division is utilizing a “structured progressive self-discipline” system to deal with “high-impact conduct issues.”
Disciplinary motion can vary from primary worker counseling all the best way as much as dismissal, in some instances.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Finance Director Dean Bott spoke to board members concerning the 13 “core providers” it supplies all year long, starting from accounts payable and payroll processing to grant reporting and price range evaluation.
He then outlined “a yr within the lifetime of the finance division,” exhibiting the varied “seasons” of exercise that go on in a typical yr.
“A few of these duties usually are not ‘flashy’ however crucial,” he mentioned. Particularly, the finance workforce should adjust to detailed state legal guidelines governing county operations. Common audits — “like a report card” — have to be accomplished “to make sure the sound monetary well being of presidency items.”
Bott proudly famous that Grand Traverse County has acquired a certificates for excellence in monetary reporting from the Authorities Finance Officers Affiliation.
Adjustments to state and federal legal guidelines lately additionally require the division to remain on prime of shifting necessities throughout the accounting world that influence many essential features together with retirement/pension budgeting and the way well being care advantages are reported and funded.
On the finish of his presentation, Bott shared some energetic “enjoyable details” about his career:
For instance, bubblegum was invented by an accountant. Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin each labored in accounting earlier than their performing careers took off.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
IT Director Cliff DuPuy offered a raft of monetary and statistical particulars about his division, starting from the prices of software program to modifications in telephony providers.
Particularly, DuPuy highlighted the projected income influence of separating Traverse Metropolis authorities from the county’s IT providers, which have been heretofore offered on a mixed foundation.
That “metropolis divestiture” will lead to a income loss to the county of about $376,000 to the 2026 IT price range. The “adjusted income” loss, which accounts for varied employees transitions, diminished software program licenses and different modifications, is estimated to be about $285,000.
Traverse Metropolis officers determined to separate from the county’s IT providers following a cyber assault final yr that impacted a number of areas of presidency operations. It’s working with a third-party supplier to information the transition to its personal IT division.
Precisely when that transition will likely be accomplished, and its remaining value, isn’t but decided.
ADMINISTRATION
Board members additionally heard from county administration, which offered an outline of the administration’s wide-ranging duties and oversight duties all year long.
Extra particularly, the five-member employees works with 10 elected workplaces and 20 elected officers, in addition to 17 departments and 23 appointed boards. The present worker depend on the county is almost 600.
Along with these actions, directors screens the county compliance with related state and federal legal guidelines all through the years.
It additionally responds to requests from commissioners and the general public all year long, whereas facilitating entry to public data, assembly and information.
Latest historical past reveals that at any time when an emergency strikes county authorities, resembling a cyber assault, energy outage or bomb menace, Administrator Nate Alger and his employees are instantly on the scene.
Within the phrases of 1 division head: “When it’s all arms on deck, that’s when the espresso flows and power drinks preserve us awake for some very lengthy days and nights till the issue will get solved.”
To entry extra detailed data from these displays, go to the Grand Traverse County web site and seek for the assembly agenda for Wednesday, Could 28 .
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