Manistee County committee recommends updated EEO, anti-discrimination policy

Julie Griffis, HR Generalist, told the Policy/Personnel Committee on June 8 that the county's revised Equal Employment Opportunity/Anti-Discrimination Policy had been reviewed by the county attorney and required only minor grammar corrections. "Ms. Griffis is satisfied with the review," she said, and the committee voted to recommend approval to the full Board of Commissioners (motion moved by Shayne Machen, seconded by Eric Gustad).

The policy text, included in Appendix A, states the county will make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics and names the HR Generalist as the county's Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, with responsibilities that include collecting employment data, monitoring practices, and reporting progress to the county. The document also sets expectations for supervisory training, complaint intake timelines (acknowledgement within five business days and a preliminary review within ten business days), and an aim to complete investigations within 30 calendar days when practicable.

The committee's recommendation is advisory; the full Manistee County Board of Commissioners must consider final adoption. The policy references compliance "in accordance with applicable federal and Michigan law," and would replace the county's existing EEO procedures if the board adopts it. No public comments were recorded on the item during the committee meeting.