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Door County adopts generative AI policy for employees amid debate over scope and safeguards
Summary
County supervisors approved an amendment to the Door County Administrative Manual establishing guidance for generative artificial intelligence use by county employees, emphasizing protection of confidential information and prohibiting AI use for licensed professional work; some supervisors said the policy is too restrictive and asked for more department‑level flexibility.
The Door County Board approved an amendment to its administrative code to govern employee use of generative artificial intelligence. County staff framed the policy as an initial, precautionary step: it encourages “safe use” while restricting disclosure of confidential information and barring employees from using AI to perform work that requires a professional license (for example, drafting legal filings).
Sean (county staff) told the board that departments had requested guidance and that the policy had been reviewed by corporate counsel. He said the county’s biggest concern is inadvertent disclosure of confidential or protected data to generative AI systems, which may retain or otherwise use that information.
Supervisor Zettle, who attended a Wisconsin Counties Association session, said some counties run AI inside protected firewalls and suggested the county ensure its policy would allow secure, firewall‑hosted tools for department use. Multiple supervisors questioned whether the policy as written was overly restrictive, whether supervisors should have authority to tailor supplemental guidance in their areas, and whether AI outputs should be clearly labeled. One supervisor objected to the draft’s use of the word "must" and recommended "shall" for clarity.
Staff said the policy requires department‑level supplemental policies to be approved by technology services and corporation counsel and that exceptions or operational details (such as forms or implementation practices) can be handled by departments without ordinance changes.
The board approved Resolution 2025‑583 to adopt the administrative manual amendment by voice vote; one supervisor recorded a 'no' vote on the motion.
