Washington County updates from county administrator Josh Schoemann:
Priority Based Budgeting Update – Departments received training on the program costing step of the process. During program costing, departments complete a series of exercises to determine the true cost of providing each program. These costs are later used during policy discussions with the departments and County Board. At the January County Board meeting we are planning to provide a project update on where we are at in this process. Although we are a long way from utilizing PBB to allow the Board to make any program decisions, there is significant work underway to be in position to do this in the summer of 2016.
• DARE Program – Attached you will find a Press Release which Sheriff Schmidt sent me about his decision regarding the future of the DARE Program. Aside from an e-mail from a County Supervisor who read about the matter on a local social media outlet, this was the first I had heard of this decision. As such, if you have any questions I would direct those to the Sheriff’s Department.
• Another Economic Development Project – Today I had the privilege of joining our partners at EDWC, as well as the City of West Bend, in the execution of loan agreements for the much anticipated construction of a new facility in southwestern West Bend of a new facility for Delta Defense, LLC. This exciting project is just another example of our efforts to achieve the County Board’s strategic initiative to “Promote the County as a good business environment and a good place to live, by supporting a countywide approach to economic development with EDWC, local municipalities, area businesses.”! A special thanks to Tim Schmidt and his team from Delta Defense for further investing in their commitment to our County. Also, a huge thank you to Christian and his team at EDWC for their incredible work to land another fantastic economic deal for our county! Last but not least, thank you to the City of West Bend for their partnership to make this project a reality! Way to go Team!!!
• Employee Recognition Dinner – Save the Date Invitations are being sent this week to the annual affair. This year’s event will be held on Friday, January 29 at the Schauer Arts Center in Hartford. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting event.
• Innovators Wanted! – The Executive Committee and Administrative Services Committee recently approved a Cost Savings Incentive Program for County employees. The cost savings incentive is a lump sum amount for rewarding increased revenues or reduced expenses and won’t exceed ten-percent of the initiative’s total cost savings or up to $25,000. A full explanation to employees is forthcoming. The passage of this policy completes the County Board’s strategic initiative to “incentivize employee cost savings ideas” and we are excited to see this program in action! We have already had multiple inquiries and hope to reward our Innovators!
• Health Department Merger Update – On Monday, the Board of Health had their final meeting. Commendations were given to all members of the committee for their years of service to Washington County serving in this capacity. The new shared Board of Health will convene next year. We are also currently working on the final components of the IGA with Ozaukee County to fully execute the shared environment, including transitioning current health department employees to Ozaukee County employment. Also, the legislation regarding the merger is on track to be discussed and approved by the Senate in January.
• LEAD (Leadership, Education and Development) Training – Supervisors throughout the County continued leadership training this week with a focus on improving employee morale. Homework includes implementing two ideas within their divisions to improve morale.
• United Way – On Thursday I attended my first meeting as a member of the United Way Washington County Board of Directors. We received several interesting updates about the important work of several of our County’s non-profits, as well as the need and desire of expanding efforts to communities in addition to West Bend, such as Hartford, Slinger, Jackson, Richfield and Germantown. Additionally, I learned about the incredible generosity of many of our corporate citizens, as well as their employees. I am looking forward to this opportunity to learn an serve!
• Active Shooter Training – For the last couple of weeks, Administration has reached out to the Sheriff’s Department to explore opportunities to conduct effective training in light of the recent events in San Bernadino, CA. It is our hope to put something together in the coming weeks, either in cooperation with the Sheriff’s Department or via Emergency Management! Stay tuned for more information.
Personnel
Welcome! Julie Bain – Human Services Department
Moving on…. Krista Preston, County Clerk’s Office – moving out of state
Active Recruitments
CNA, Dietary Aid, LPN, Registered Nurse, RN (Relief Supervisor) – Samaritan
Medical Assistant, Medical Director, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Social Worker, Senior Social Worker – Human Services Department
WIC Director – Health Department
Accounting Supervisor, Laborer/Operator/Patrolperson – Highway Department
Corrections Officer – Sheriff’s Department
Administrative Intern – Administration Department
CONGRATULATIONS to the following employees for their years of service at the County!
5 YEARS Daniel Baranek – Human Services Department