Carroll County commissioners on Jan. 5 discussed a proposal to engage an outside firm to run 360-degree performance evaluations for department heads, a process that would collect anonymous feedback from supervisors, peers and subordinates.

Staff described the benefits of a 360-degree system as a way to identify strengths and development opportunities across department heads; the firm would compile and analyze data, preserve anonymity, and recommend areas for improvement. The estimated cost discussed in the meeting was about $5,000.

Several commissioners questioned whether the method was appropriate, noting concerns that employees might use the opportunity to lodge personal complaints. "I'm not comfortable with the whole thing," one commissioner said, expressing worry about retaliatory or biased responses. Staff and proponents said adequate sample size and analytic filters could reduce outliers and provide useful, actionable results.

The commission did not finalize the measure during the meeting and agreed to discuss the proposal further at a future date before committing funds or selecting a vendor.

Next steps: staff will return with additional details and possibly refined proposals for scope, vendor selection and safeguards to ensure reliable, actionable results.