In an effort to create more time for their staff, the Union County Commissioners are making changes to their meetings.
Beginning next week, the commissioners will meet just once a week, on Wednesdays, with the meetings to begin at 8:30 a.m. Additionally, the commissioners will meet on the first Tuesday of the month, “primarily to meet with elected officials and department heads.”
Commissioner Chris Schmenk said the idea came from staff members. She said she met with them last year, asking them what the commissioners could do to help them be more efficient in their jobs.
“They suggested meeting one day a week instead of two,” Schmenk said.
She explained that most members of the commissioners’ staff attend the meetings virtually. The meeting will often last several hours.
“It is using a lot of their working time that they feel they can be using more efficiently,” Schmenk said.
She said she spoke with the new commissioners about making the switch.
“I don’t think they would have suggested it, but they embraced it when it was suggested,” Schmenk said.
She explained that both Dave Burke and Steve Robinson continue to work running their own businesses.
“I think they want to give adequate time to the commissioner role, but not to waste time,” Schmenk said.
Schmenk said she still works for the law firm of Bricker and Eckler, though her time there has “dropped dramatically.”
“I have advised them I want to be more available for commissioner duties,” Schmenk said.
Officials acknowledged there will be a bit of transition.
Schmenk said those with county business will need to prepare differently because, “there will be one less opportunity a week for them to bring things forward.”
“We also know there will be times when we call a special meeting to deal with something that comes up,” Schmenk said.
Officials said the transition to the once-a-week schedule will be easier thanks to a move made several years ago. In 2018, the commissioners changed their meeting structure. Tuesday meetings were used for the commissioners to take formal action and Thursday meetings were informal and used for discussion.
The meetings include an agenda, but not a schedule and participants are told to come near the beginning, middle or end of the meeting, rather than given a specific time.
Schmenk said the Ohio Revised Code does not dictate when meetings are held, only that the board of commissioners must meet at least 50 times each year. She said that with the monthly Tuesday meetings, the commissioners will be well above the threshold.
Officials said the switch will be “a trial run for the first couple of months.”
“We will see how it works,” Schmenk said. “If it is not working, we will switch back.”
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commissioners are meeting remotely, noting that most business activities can be conducted using technology.
To limit exposure to the public and office staff, members of the public needing assistance are being asked to schedule appointments for necessary in-person access to the commissioners’ offices. Those wanting to schedule an appointment or who have general questions, are asked to call (937) 645-3012 or email khiggins@unioncountyohio.gov.
“The county commissioners’ primary concern is for the safety of our public and our employees,” according to a statement from the commissioners. “We will continue to keep in close contact with health officials to monitor the situation and to implement the best practices for this unique situation. We ask for your patience in helping us reduce the spread of coronavirus, and we appreciate all that our citizens and employees are doing to partner with us in this effort.”
In January 2011, the commissioners moved their meeting dates from Mondays and Thursdays to Tuesdays and Thursdays. At the time, the commissioners said Mondays are exceptionally busy for office holders and department heads who may have business to discuss.