To: Board of County Commissioners
From: Michael Dawisha, CIO
title
RE: Approval to adopt the Genesee County’s Electronic Communication Policy
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval to adopt the Genesee County’s Electronic Communication Policy.
BACKGROUND:
As Genesee County expands its use of digital tools to communicate with residents, the need for a formal electronic communication policy has become increasingly important.
DISCUSSION:
Approval of this policy is essential to establish a clear and legally sound framework for Genesee County’s use of SMS and electronic communications with residents. As the County expands its digital communication capabilities, including the upcoming rollout of RingCentral’s SMS features, this policy ensures compliance with privacy standards, opt-in/opt-out requirements, and responsible data handling. It also supports transparent public engagement, especially during emergencies or service disruptions, and reinforces the County’s commitment to secure, accessible, and equitable communication. Adoption of this policy aligns with best practices in government communication and is a necessary step for operational readiness as we modernize our messaging tools.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
There is no impact on Human Resources.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
There is no impact on any budgets.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
There is no impact on Facilities.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
Developed by IT.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
The policy aligns with Healthy, Livable, & Safe Communities, a clear electronic communication policy enables the County to share timely, accurate, and accessible information about emergency responses or service disruptions. This promotes resident well-being, strengthens public trust, and ensures critical messages reach all populations effectively.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan (“Board”), hereby adopts and authorizes the implementation of the attached Electronic Communication Policy (“Policy”).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this new Policy supersedes any and all current or past policies related to SMS or electronic communications, that any other resolutions or policies previously adopted by this Board related to SMS and electronic communication are hereby rescinded, and that this Policy shall remain in effect until further action of this Board.