The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on August 5, 2025, to discuss various administrative positions and the potential for shared services within the county. The meeting focused on the future of certain roles within the administrator's department and the overall strategy for staffing.

The discussion began with inquiries about whether a specific position in the administrator's department would be refilled. The response indicated that the county is evaluating all positions and considering the necessity of each role. The emphasis was placed on the importance of shared services among departments to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. One commissioner highlighted the potential benefits of having a single individual provide services across multiple departments instead of hiring separate staff for each area.

Further dialogue addressed the historical reliance on contracted services for tasks such as branding, marketing, and technical design work. Commissioners expressed a desire to centralize these functions within the administration to avoid duplication of costs and potentially lower expenses associated with external contracts.

The meeting also touched on the status of a legal self-help specialist position, indicating ongoing discussions about its role and necessity within the county's framework.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to evaluating staffing needs and exploring shared services as a means to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs in Ottawa County. The board plans to continue these discussions in future meetings as they assess the implications of their staffing strategies.