County Administrator Danzel presented a draft county spending‑freeze resolution and an updated financial‑policies document at a workshop on Oct. 29, telling commissioners the proposals aim to protect fiscal stability amid a projected shortfall.

Danzel summarized the legal basis he relied on — obligations for county officials to manage finances and state statutes that can create personal liability for expenditures exceeding adopted appropriations — and described two implementation approaches: a countywide threshold for discretionary spending (an example amount discussed was $500) or a targeted, line‑item approach that would sequester historically problematic accounts. He also proposed an exceptions process for public‑safety needs, statutory mandates and revenue‑generating or grant‑related expenditures.

Department heads and commissioners raised questions about practical effects: grants that require attendance or matching funds, nonrefundable conference fees, software renewals and routine public‑works purchases (which frequently exceed low dollar thresholds). A county official stated the county is “closing in on $600,000 short” on sales‑tax revenue; that figure was discussed as context for the proposals but was not adopted as a formal finding in the meeting record.

Commissioners directed Administrator Danzel to work with the county auditor and accounting staff to analyze historical spending patterns and return to the board next week with recommended thresholds or a targeted alternative. They also asked staff to circulate the draft resolution and financial policies to all elected officials and department heads, and asked county counsel to confirm any posting or notice requirements before formal adoption.

Danzel said the revised financial policies will also consolidate budget controls, capital planning guidance, payroll integrity measures, grant‑acceptance review steps and reporting requirements; he asked that departments review the drafts and prepare exception requests where necessary. The board scheduled formal action on the draft policies and any spending‑freeze resolution for a future public meeting after staff returns with refined recommendations.