County adopts updated performance measures and approves $156,000 shared-savings transfer

Olivia Liggett presented the county's FY2024–25 performance-measure report at the Nov. 17 meeting, describing the program's goal of improving services through measurable, countywide department targets and noting the use of a 51% 'stretch' achievement threshold for shared-savings eligibility.

Liggett said departments exceeded the 51% threshold across five service areas and that the county implemented a new performance-measure audit this year. She requested a transfer of $156,000 to fund the shared-savings program and described highlights for EMS, foster care and public information.

Commissioners asked about how goals are set and suggested metric adjustments — for example, increasing the frequency of facility safety audits and tightening timelines for deeds indexing and concealed-carry application turnaround. Liggett said departments craft measures and submit them to administration; staff can amend metrics for the December meeting if commissioners provide suggested language in the near term.

Commissioner Barrow asked how much the program has saved; Liggett said savings fluctuate year to year and that this year the county saved nearly $1,000,000, with $190,000 eligible for shared savings and $160,000 distributed based on achievement. After discussion, Commissioner Hall moved to adopt the updated performance measures, the updated policy, and the $156,000 transfer; Commissioner Kellum seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.

The board also discussed tying shared-savings eligibility to reporting compliance in the context of detention-center incident reporting; commissioners said failures to report incidents have increased insurance costs and proposed loss of shared savings for noncompliant departments as an accountability tool.