Sutter County setting its priorities
Leadership, homelessness and the consolidation of departments topped a list of priorities the Sutter County Board of Supervisors established last week.
In a special study session, the board established a proposed top 10 list for the fiscal year 2017-18. Additionally, it established a 2017-18 top 10 countywide goals. According to Scott Mitnick, county administrator, the items on the priorities list are specific and reflect the more pressing issues facing the county. Proposed countywide goals are broad in scope and serve as ethical reminders for staff to follow.
“By putting together this list, it instructs staff on what we need to spend our energy on,” Mitnick said. “If you take a look at a prospectus of a Fortune 500 business or any successful company, it will include a list of its priorities.”
Mitnick said the priorities and goals are not yet finalized and will come before the board on June 13. The public will get a chance to weigh in on the items on both lists.
The lists are established before preparation of the proposed budget, which allows staff to incorporate funding for those priorities, said Mitnick.
Mitnick said the priorities list also serves as a good management tool. In annual reviews, he can use the list to keep department heads accountable.
The lists were created after each board member submitted items. The lists were consolidated through a vote total.
“In the past, we had some department heads that had their own individual goals,” said Supervisor Jim Whiteaker. “Our goal is to have a business statement that will be beneficial to all our employees and allows them to work in the same direction.”
Supervisors will direct staff to prepare a longterm strategic plan, which will include a county mission statement and “customer service philosophy.”
Many of the items on the priorities list, including development of a homeless management plan or facilities master plan, will take several years to complete, said Mitnick.
Some items that were proposed by supervisors did not make the list.
Whiteaker, who pro- posed a public safety item that he said would support fire fighters and law enforcement by giving them the latest technologies, was not supported by any other supervisor.
“It doesn’t mean it is not a priority,” said Whiteaker. “Even though it didn’t make the list, it is still an item that will receive attention by the county.” Accounts Receivable......... Classified Fax.................... Accounts Receivable......... Display Fax.......................