Board presses department heads for regular reports ahead of budget season

During routine business, several board members urged stronger, routine reporting from department heads to inform policy-making and an impending budget cycle. One board member said the expectation is to receive reports so the county board can "create policy and craft the budget," and asked that department heads provide at least written updates when they cannot attend meetings in person.

Jeremy said he has requested reports from department heads and expects to follow up. Board members suggested clarifying what information is needed to avoid redundancy—examples included asking the circuit clerk's office to pull felony filing counts when judges cannot present privileged details.

A department head who spoke suggested the board provide guidance on the type of information it wants so offices can supply focused data and avoid repetitive material. The exchange included concerns that some offices (particularly judicial offices) cannot disclose certain client-specific information and that some reporting may be best handled through the clerk's office.

Board members emphasized the timing: the budget process begins in about six months, and more consistent reporting would help inform budget decisions and policy priorities. No formal directive or vote was recorded during this segment; the discussion was recorded as a call for better reporting and continued follow-up by staff.