Board approves facilitator for administrator evaluation, authorizes procurement/risk FTE and advances strategic-plan PAC

The Morrow County Board of Commissioners approved several administrative items during its business session.

Evaluation facilitator: Commissioners authorized a process to conduct the county administrator’s annual evaluation and gave staff authorization to solicit bids for an external facilitator, with a spending cap of $3,000 to retain a consultant. The motion (moved and seconded in open session) passed by voice vote; commissioners said the Board will approve the final evaluation process when staff returns with proposals.

Risk/procurement FTE: The Board approved an FTE request for a risk and procurement manager who will operate under the finance director. Commissioners and elected officials discussed concerns about scope creep and stressed the role should be a facilitator and compliance advisor rather than a central purchasing authority. The motion to approve the FTE passed (motion carried).

Strategic-plan PAC: Staff sought approval for the project advisory committee (PAC) membership to begin the county strategic-plan kickoff. Commissioners approved the initial PAC membership and directed staff to schedule the kickoff and public engagement steps.

Consent item pull: Commissioners pulled a procurement/scale item (consent item b) for further review after a commissioner noted inconsistencies in bid exhibits and scale-size specifications; staff will return the item to a future Public Works agenda with clarifications.

What happens next: Staff will solicit facilitator proposals and return to the Board with recommended vendors and a proposed evaluation process. The procurement/risk position will be integrated under finance and advertised as directed; the strategic-plan PAC kickoff dates will be scheduled.