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Jones County commissioners adopt organizational chart to centralize department reporting
Summary
The board voted to adopt a printed organizational chart that places department heads under the county administrator, formalizing reporting lines and emphasizing use of the administrator as the communication channel; commissioners also discussed whistleblower protections and HR placement.
Jones County commissioners on Jan. 3 voted to adopt an organizational chart that clarifies department head reporting through the county administrator.
Commissioner Kitchens introduced the topic, saying the existing practice did not match the county’s organizational chart and that the change would “crystal clear” expectations about who department heads report to. “I think if we don't have everybody on the same page, that opens the door for some issues between department heads,” Kitchens said.
Discussion among commissioners and county staff covered historical practices in which some commissioners had engaged department heads directly, steps to restore consistent chain of command, and the need for whistleblower protections. A county official summarized: if department heads have a problem with the administrator they may take it to the commission and the commission would address the matter in executive session.
Commissioner Kitchens moved to “adopt the organizational chart passed out in our handouts to reflect the structure of the board moving forward.” The motion was seconded and approved on a voice vote. Commissioners also agreed to schedule a work session/retreat that will include department heads to clarify roles, expectations and strategic priorities.
Commissioners asked staff to reeducate employees about the chain of command and to consider adding whistleblower protections where absent.
