To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Domonique D. Clemons, Genesee County Clerk & Register of Deeds
title
RE: Approval of a request by the Genesee County Clerk and Register of Deeds Office to eliminate two (2) Clerk Recorder positions and to create, post & fill two (2) Election Specialist positions
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a request by the Genesee County Clerk and Register of Deeds Office to Eliminate two (2) Clerk-Recorder positions and to create, post & fill Two (2) Election Specialist positions.
BACKGROUND:
The office of the Genesee County Clerk and Register of Deeds is requesting approval to eliminate two existing positions currently titled Clerk-Recorder and create two new positions titled Election Specialist within the Elections Division. This proposed reorganization is intended to better align position titles with the actual duties being performed, improve hiring outcomes, create greater uniformity within the division, and support operational readiness ahead of the upcoming November election. Over time, we have recognized that the title Clerk-Recorder does not accurately reflect the primary responsibilities of the position. The current title often creates confusion among applicants regarding the nature of the work and has resulted in a significant number of applications from individuals who either are not qualified for election administration duties or who have little to no interest in working elections. In practice, the positions currently titled Clerk-Recorder perform nearly the same work as the position currently titled Election Clerk, with very similar job descriptions, daily responsibilities, and operational expectations. To address this inconsistency, we are proposing that the existing Election Clerk position also be renamed Election Specialist so that all similarly situated positions within the Elections Division share a consistent and accurate title.
DISCUSSION:
This change will improve clarity for applicants, streamline recruitment and hiring processes, and better reflect the professional election administration work currently being performed by staff. The proposed reorganization is intended to be budget neutral for the current fiscal year, due to current vacancies in the office. The newly created Election Specialist positions will utilize the same pay scale currently assigned to the Election Clerk position. Filling these positions is critically important as we prepare for the upcoming November election cycle. Establishing clear, accurate, and uniform position titles will strengthen our ability to recruit qualified candidates and ensure the division is adequately staffed to support the administration of a successful election.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
HR has been a partner in re-working job descriptions and helping us navigate this process. HR has reviewed the position job description and provided the appropriate pay scale. HR will be involved in the hiring process for the staff position, which will likely be filled internally.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
A budget adjustment is NOT is required for the current Fiscal Year, due to the current vacancies within the office being able to cover the entire difference. The full costing of the position is attached. We anticipate it will likely be an external hire that will start at the lowest level of cost when the position is filled creating a modest budget increase for the upcoming fiscal year of about $6,000 total, that will be covered by expected savings and budget reductions in other line items.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
None
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
There may be need for IT support in getting the appropriate phone, computer and other tech access to the staff members in this position
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
This position will allow us to better serve our residents and continue to build a collaborative culture.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Clerk/Register to authorize eliminating two (2) Clerk-Recorder positions; creating, posting, and filling two (2) new Election Specialist positions; and renaming the current Election Clerk position to Election Specialist; is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the June 10, 2026 meeting of the Finance Committee of this board), and the Chief Financial Officer is directed to record the attached budget amendment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board directs the Director of Human resources to have the necessary personnel position numbers created, as necessary, for said positions and to commence the hiring process so that the positions may be filled as soon as practicable, in accordance with County policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.