Lapeer County personnel panel weighs draft workplace conduct policy, seeks clearer definitions

The Lapeer County Personnel Committee reviewed a draft Workplace Conduct and Professionalism Policy at its June 25 meeting, with Human Resources Director Natasha Kugler saying Human Resources has "experienced a significant increase in interoffice complaints" and that the draft is intended to provide formal guidance for handling such issues.

The review in Conference Room 302 at the County Complex focused on how complaints would be reported and handled, who would be involved, and how broad terms in the draft would be defined. County Administrator Moses Sanzo told the committee he intends to ask the county's bargaining units to adopt the policy if the county does so.

Why it matters: The policy would create the county's first formal guidance on workplace conduct and could change how employees raise concerns and how supervisors, department heads and Human Resources respond. Several committee members urged clearer definitions to reduce inconsistent interpretation and potential overuse of subjective language.

During discussion, Treasurer Dana Miller said complaints should first go to the department head so issues can be addressed locally before escalation to Human Resources or Administration. Prosecuting Attorney John Miller agreed, saying department heads are often more familiar with day-to-day operations and interpersonal dynamics and may be better positioned to address concerns initially.

Committee members raised specific worries that terms in the draft such as "spreads rumors or gossip," "bullying," and "conduct that negatively impacts employee morale" could be vague and open to uneven application. Kugler said Human Resources is seeking clear guidelines to facilitate cooperation, provide coaching and corrective instruction, and emphasized employees should follow lawful and reasonable supervisory instructions to help mitigate the county's liability.

Register of Deeds Amy Stearns urged that the county's co-employers remain involved and not be circumvented, and she expressed concern about several provisions in the draft.

The committee did not vote on the policy. Instead, members suggested that Administration and the co-employers collaborate to produce revised language that includes clearer definitions of key terms and a more defined hierarchy for reporting workplace concerns and complaints before the policy returns for further consideration.

Votes at a glance - Approval of agenda: Motion by Commissioner Greg Wise, supported by Commissioner Gary Howell; carried unanimously (three commissioners present). - Approval of minutes (June 15, 2026): Motion by Commissioner Gary Howell, supported by Commissioner Greg Wise; carried unanimously. - Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Gary Howell, supported by Commissioner Greg Wise; carried unanimously at 10:32 a.m.

The Personnel Committee scheduled no further action on the draft at this meeting; Administration and Human Resources will work with co-employers on revisions and bring the proposal back for future consideration.