To: Martin L. Cousineau, Finance Committee Chairperson
From: Joshua Freeman, Director of Administration
title
RE: Approval of a request to create, post & fill one (1) Constituent Relations Representative in the Board Office; this is a budgeted position
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a Constituent Relations Representative
BACKGROUND:
Historically, our office has not had an engagement plan with the public that furthers the County’s priority of an Inclusive & Collaborative Culture. Typically, we have taken a reactive approach to constituent services and engagement. As a result, residents have not always had an effective link to their elected representatives and the services they need. Each Commissioner represents over 45,000 residents with almost no staff support.
DISCUSSION:
In creating this position, our office looks to focus on three specific areas: First Point of Contact, In-person Public Engagement, and Public Sentiment Monitoring. This role will serve as the initial connection between Genesee County residents and the Board of Commissioners, as well as other county departments, commissions, and committees. By streamlining this communication, we can ensure that residents receive the assistance they need promptly when reaching out to the Board Office. In coordination with the Director of Communications, the representative would be tasked with responding quickly and effectively to public inquiries, and feedback through various communication channels. This responsiveness is vital in fostering trust and transparency within our community between residents and commissioners. The representative will also develop, plan and coordinate events designed to enhance public engagement with Genesee County’s programs, service and board-led initiatives. These events will serve as opportunities to build relationships and provide residents with valuable information. Finally, the representative would also monitor and report on public sentiment regarding county services. By utilizing these insights, we could refine our communication and engagement strategies to better meet the needs and expectations of our constituents. In short, this position will create new engagement opportunities between Genesee County residents and the Board to better position the Board as a prime mover of positive change in Genesee County.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
Normal HR recruitment and onboarding.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
This position was included in the adopted FYE 2025 budget. No additional appropriation is required.
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
No additional impact on Facilities.
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
Normal employee onboarding.
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
The Board of Commissioners have prioritized making Genesee County and Inclusive and Collaborative community. By expanding our constituent engagement, we will further meet the Board’s goal of demanding transparency for our county.
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 Director of Administration to authorize establishing, posting, and filling one Constituent Relations Representative position within the Board Office, said new position being included in the adopted FYE 2025 budget, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the December 4, 2024 meeting of the Finance Committee of this Board).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board directs the Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations 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 any applicable collective bargaining agreement.