The board deliberated on a proposal from the County Administrator to hire a full-time Assistant County Administrator. The decision comes in light of the county’s rapid expansion, which has seen its workforce more than double from approximately 325 employees in 2007 to over 680 today. This growth has increased the workload on current administrative structures, prompting the need for additional support. The Administrator emphasized that the position wasn’t included in the 2025 budget request because the board had directed a focus on the year’s most issues. However, unforeseen revenue sources, including increased state police aid and state funding for law enforcement benefits, were identified as potential offsets for the estimated $13,300 cost of the new role.

During the discussions, the board expressed a mixture of opinions. Some members supported the creation of the position, noting the historical context and necessity due to the county’s growing administrative demands. Concerns were raised about reallocating funds initially intended for specific purposes within the sheriff’s department. However, assurances were given that using these unexpected funds would not detract from the sheriff’s budget and would be managed from the county’s reserves instead. Ultimately, a motion to approve the position was made, with amendments specifying the funding source as reserves, which passed unanimously.

In another development, Darren Brooks, the current HR Director, was appointed as the full-time Assistant County Administrator. Brooks’ tenure with the county and his contributions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, were highlighted. The board agreed on backfilling the HR Director position by January 2025.

The meeting also addressed a request from the City of Holly to acquire a tax-forfeited property for public use. The land, primarily wetlands, had been forfeited for nearly a decade and was deemed unsuitable for residential development. The county approved the transfer, endorsing the city’s plans to use the area for community-oriented projects such as a garden.

The Sheriff’s Department reported an unexpected resignation of a deputy with a decade of service, prompting a motion to fill the vacancy. The Solid Waste Department proposed departmental restructuring following two resignations. This change aimed at improving efficiency was deemed budget-neutral and received unanimous approval.

Employee benefits were another focal point, particularly regarding health insurance options for married couples employed by the county. The board approved a motion allowing one spouse to opt out of individual health coverage if the other carries a family plan, a move designed to reduce duplicative costs. This was complemented by an adjustment in the county’s contribution to non-grandfathered single plans.

Additionally, the board received an update from the United Way of Cass and Clay Counties on their ongoing initiatives to fight poverty. Emphasizing partnerships with 29 organizations and the funding of 44 programs, the representatives highlighted mental health services as a key area, citing that only one in four children needing support receives it. The campaign’s efforts aim to raise $6.2 million this year, building on the previous year’s $6.1 million.

Infrastructure projects were also discussed, including the acquisition of a new tanker and a tilt-bed trailer to enhance the county’s operational capabilities. These purchases were highlighted as essential for addressing frequent citizen concerns regarding road maintenance.