Bob's Update - June 22, 2009
While we need to
stabilize the organization to ensure our fiscal stability, I don't want to
fall completely into a reactionary mode. It's a delicate balance.We can't
lose sight of our responsibility to invest in our community and continue
striving toward greater collaboration with our partners, both internally and
externally. We need to get through the next couple years, but we also
have to use that time to be proactive with inevitable change and stay
committed to building a better future that includes economic growth and
jobs.
- Update on Aerotropolis: And speaking of the future,
Chair of the Board of Commissioners Rolland Sizemore signed the
Aerotropolis Development Corporation Inter-local Agreement with Wayne
County and 7 local jurisdictions. Aerotropolis is an
exciting example of looking out for our future through municipal
collaboration. The project has a long term focus - ten to twenty
years - with the potential to create 60,000 jobs in Wayne and
Washtenaw Counties.
- Budget Process - Retirees: Last week, Human
Resource Director Diane Heidt, Deputy Administrator Verna McDaniel and I
met with the AWARE group - a voluntary group representing the County's
retirees. In my mind, individuals who have retired from the County
remain part of the County family. It's important that they are kept
up to date as we navigate this financial crisis. As I've mentioned
before, everything is on the table and that must include some of the
benefits for our retirees. What will not be on the table are their pensions
which are secured by the Michigan Constitution.
- Budget Process - Negotiations: We have been in contact with all our union partners and most have agreed to sit down to discuss the economic situation in the County and the dialogue will begin this week. While the process isn't a particularly quick or easy one, I'm encouraged because it has begun. The negotiating team includes Human Resource Director Diane Heidt, Deputy Administrator Verna McDaniel, Parks and Recreation Director Robert Tetens, Trial Court Administrator Dan Dwyer, Management Analyst Joanna Bidlack and me. These conversations are expected to continue throughout June and July.
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"Bob's Update" is a weekly message to Washtenaw County employees from County Administrator Bob Guenzel. eWashtenaw publishes these columns when they are deemed timely and useful to the wider community. Please contact Administrator Guenzel with your comments. |
The numbers of "viewers" and "visitors" to the Budget Process web site continue to grow. Again, thank you for your attentiveness, and your understanding.
Remember I'm reachable with your comments or questions, here or by email.
Bob
