Bob's Update October 19, 2009

Washtenaw County Administrator Bob Guenzel A webinar on motivating employees during tough times; important community events highlighting cyber security; an update on the budget; and the final week of the United Way campaign.

ALLIANCE WEBINAR: Last week I participated in a webinar presented by the Alliance for Innovation which focused on the positive measures organizations can take to keep staff engaged and working together; and on strategies used to combat the paralyzing result of layoffs while inspiring employees to perform at their best.

For me, this webinar demonstrates that we are not alone; and it validates that the strategies and solutions implemented throughout this budget process are many of the same ones implemented by other jurisdictions throughout the country. This webinar was a great reminder that while we may lead many other counties with innovate strategies and solutions - sometimes we can borrow great ideas too.

CYBER SECURITY EVENT: Commissioner Kristin Judge and Sheriff Jerry Clayton in cooperation with Washtenaw Intermediate School District and Pittsfield Township Public Safety will host two cyber security events on Thursday, October 29th. The events will recognize this important initiative aimed at raising awareness of the ways in which employees, citizens and local businesses can better safeguard themselves in cyberspace.

The partnership between Sheriff Clayton and Commissioner Judge demonstrates a strong commitment to public safety and justice and an effort to protect citizens in our community. It also sends a great message to the community that we appreciate the opportunity to work with our elected officials and that at the end of the day we all represent Washtenaw County. I hope you plan to attend one or both of the events!

UPDATE ON THE BUDGET: We have made tremendous progress in resolving our projected budget deficit and we’re anticipating that the Board of Commissioners will adopt a balanced budget in November. Lately, our focus has been almost entirely on achieving tentative agreements on future compensation and benefits with many of the bargaining units that represent our County employees. We currently have tentative agreements with 11 of the County's 17 bargaining units - and I’m optimistic that we will soon have agreements with all of them. The tentative agreements are available online now and will be officially presented to the Board of Commissioners at this Wednesday's Ways and Means meeting.

"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.

PUBLIC HEARING: The community has been given several opportunities throughout the budget process to express their concerns and to provide their feedback on the proposed 2010/2011 budget. Dedicating an entire evening to hear comments on the budget is unusual but necessary, due to the community's overwhelming interest. This Thursday the Board will hear comments from citizens during the budget public hearing beginning at 6:00 pm.

UNITED WAY: Just a quick reminder, we are now entering the final week of the United Way campaign, and the Community needs your support now more than ever. Our goal for this year's campaign is $75,000 and unfortunately, we are having a tough time getting there. Currently, we have contributions totaling just over $43,000, so if you haven’t made your online donation through EZ, please do so!

I hope it's a good week for all of you,

Bob