To: Charles Winfrey, Human Services Committee Chairperson
From: Michelle Estelle, MSA, RS
title
RE: Approval to create, post & fill one (1) Public Health Coordinator position
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval to create, post and fill one (1) Public Health Coordinator position for the Genesee County Health Department.
BACKGROUND:
GCHD is requesting approval to establish a new Public Health Coordinator position within the Administration program area. This role is designed to enhance department-wide capacity and strengthen the department’s ability to meet current and emerging public health needs. Funding for the position will be supported 50% by Administration Indirect and 50% through the Public Health Infrastructure Grant.
DISCUSSION:
The Public Health Coordinator will: (1) Oversee social media outreach and public messaging - providing timely, accurate, and coordinated communication to the community. (2) Coordinate and track workforce development initiatives - supporting staff training, professional growth, and alignment with public health workforce priorities. (3) Strengthen administrative outreach and engagement efforts - ensuring consistent messaging and stronger connections with community partners and stakeholders. (4) Serve as the department’s Public Information Officer (PIO) - improving clarity, accuracy, and responsiveness of communications during both routine operations and public health emergencies. Adding this position will create greater organizational efficiency by centralizing key administrative and communication functions. It will also improve the department’s ability to effectively engage the public, maintain a strong and skilled workforce, and meet expectations for accountability and transparency. No additional County Appropriation is required.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
Human Resources will be requested to post, fill, and facilitate all other hiring requirements for the position.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
A budget amendment is attached for FY2025-2026 from the following account numbers: 2210-602.07-702.000 (50%) and 2210-601.01-702.000 (50%) and related fringe accounts.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
There is no anticipated impact on facilities.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
Information Technology support will be requested to assist with the set-up of electronic devices (laptop, phone, etc.)
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Healthy, Livable, and Safe Communities - By strengthening GCHD’s ability to communicate clearly and consistently with the public, the Public Health Coordinator will promote accurate health information, increase awareness of available services, and support community resiliency during public health events. Long-term financial stability -The use of indirect and grant funding reduces reliance on local general funds while investing in infrastructure that increases efficiency, reduces duplication of effort, and maximizes the impact of existing resources.
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 Health Officer to authorize creating, posting, and filling one (1) new Public Health Coordinator position within the Administration program area, said new position to be funded by accounts 2210-602.07-702.000 (50%) and 2210-601.01-702.000 (50%) and related fringe accounts, is approved (a copy of the memorandum a request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the September 17, 2025 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 number created, as necessary, for said position and to commence the hiring process so that the position may be filled as soon as practicable, in accordance with County policy and applicable collective bargaining agreement.