LWV Observer - Georgiana Campbell
All commissioners were present.
AGENDA
The County Commissioners' meeting on June 30 was in the form of a workshop for the Board and Department Heads. They gathered in groups of 5 at tables in their usual meeting room and were led in their discussion by County Administrator, Gary Weiers.
First they reviewed their mission statement which had been formulated in a similar meeting one or two years ago. The statement has been: "To proactively address the needs of the public we serve in an efficient and effective manner to enhance the quality of life for citizens."
Since this statement was first written it has been altered slightly.
The discussion this year was led by County Administrator Gary Weiers. First the department heads who were present studied Rice County's projected 2010 levy. Noted were the income additions (increases in grants, charges for services and other revenue.) The income reductions were listed as reduced investment earnings due to lower interest rates, loss of program aid, loss of CCSA aids and loss of other aids. There was also information on expense reductions and expense increases, information that helped those present further understand the financial changes the county faces.
Next was SWOT ANALYSIS which began with understanding the meaning of SWOT. The letters stand for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Analysis would mean an opportunity to identify the nature of your organization, explore possible new solutions, and also to inventory strengths and weaknesses so that priorities and possibilities can be noted.
The idea is to build on your strengths, minimize your weaknesses, seize opportunities, and counteract threats. That would be a perfect time for setting goals.
