1. 1. EATON COUNTY GOVERNMENT A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK, VISIT, AND SHOP! COUNTY GOVERNMENT WORKING HARD TO SERVE THE RESIDENTS OF EATON COUNTY AND OUR GUESTS 1
2. 2. WELCOME TO EATON COUNTY AND DELTA TOWNSHIP! 2
3. 3. CONGRATULATIONS TO DELTA TOWNSHIP AND THE DELTA SIDE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION FOR SHOWCASING THE PROGRESS AND GROWTH HERE! 3
4. 4. EATON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 4
5. 5. Presentation Sponsored and Produced by Eaton County Commissioner Howard Spence 5
6. 6. What does Eaton County Government Do? How does County Government fit into the government process compared to state government, city government, or Township Government? 6
7. 7. Stop by and Talk About it With Us? Or Get a Brochure about County Services? 7
8. 8. Eaton County Government Information www.EatonCounty.org 1045 Independence Blvd Charlotte, MI 48854 (517) 543-7500 8
9. 9. Download the Eaton County Directory from www.EatonCounty.org! Have Phone numbers and Email Addresses of your County Officials at your fingertips! PDF Directory is free and is sure to help you navigate the Eaton County government organization! 9
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12. 12. Counties Work With Other Governmental Units in Collaborative Efforts to Save Money and Avoid Duplication and Excessive Government Costs 12
13. 13. A Local Example: Our Eaton County Sheriff Contracts with Delta Township to Provide Police Protection Eaton County Law Enforcement Collaborates with sheriffs and local police throughout the Tri-County region to combat crime. 13
14. 14. The State Legislature Determines the Powers and Authorities of Counties, Cities and Townships Important County Functions: Providing for the Safety and welfare of citizens through sheriff police activities, Emergency Management System activities, Providing a Court system and criminal justice system to adjudicate disputes and to enforce the laws 14
15. 15. Counties Dont Enact Laws or Ordinances Counties only have the powers which the legislature delegates to them Cities and Townships Do have authority to enact laws and ordinances Counties are Responsible to enforce laws enacted by the legislature, cities and townships that apply to their county jurisdiction 15
16. 16. Seen a Pot Hole Lately? Maintaining County Roads (85% of total roads) and keeping them safe and ploughed during inclement weather 16
17. 17. Who are the Some of the Officials and County Employees Who Make County Government Work? 17
18. 18. Many Dedicated and Long Time, Experienced Public Employees and Energetic Elected Officials Stand Ready to Help You, Your businesses, and Families! Approximately 400 career public employees work for Eaton County in may different capacities all dedicated to helping residents of Eaton County meet their personal family and business goals. Most of the Employees are under the general supervision of John Fuentes, Eaton County Controller. The Controller is responsible for the day to day administration and management of the countys resources, and reports directly to the Eaton County Board of Commissioners. Many county employees are under the daily supervision of elected officials who have specific statutory responsibilities and duties which benefit our residents. 18
19. 19. Eaton County Elected Officials 19 Eaton County has 15 County Commissioners representing specific geographic Districts County Commissioners are Elected or Re-elected every Two Years Township Officials are Elected every 4 Years County Officials such as the County Sheriff, Prosecutor, Treasurer, and Drain Commissioner are Elected Every 4 Years Judges are elected to serve 6 year terms and must stand for Re-election Every 6 Years
20. 20. Eaton County Officials Appointed by the Board of Commissioners 20 Numerous Boards and Committees are Appointed to Serve specified Terms by the County Board of Commissioners The Terms of Board Appointees Vary from one Board to the Next Some Board Appointees are Strictly Uncompensated Volunteers, but Some Boards do Compensate Board Members on a Per Diem or Part Time Basis The Board of Commissioners Appoint members to the Eaton County Road Commission, the Eaton-Barry Public Health Department, to the Eaton County Social Services Board, and to some of the oversight and advisory boards to the Department of Community Health for Clinton Eaton Ingham Counties (CMH-CEI), among others
21. 21. Boards or Organizations involved with County Government 21 Community Mental Health (CMH-CEI) Tri-County Office on Aging EATRAN County Public Transportation Services (Bus Service) Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Barry Eaton Department of Health Eaton County Senior Citizens and Medical Care Facility Eaton County Road Commission
22. 22. Other Programs Affiliated with County Government 22 Veteran Affairs and Services Elected Officials including Courts, Youth Facility, Sheriffs Department, Treasurer, Drain Commissioner Regulatory and Safety Programs such as Building Codes and Permitting and Inspections Emergency Management Services and 9-1-1 Call Center Community Development Services County Parks and Recreation Services MANY more services
23. 23. Eaton County Sheriff Tom Reich 23 Responsible for Public Safety in Eaton County and also Delta Township Supervises the County Jail and Staff Supervises the Road Patrol and Deputies Supervises Animal Control Investigates and Documents Crimes and violations within Eaton County Works to coordinate EMS services and Emergency Preparedness
24. 24. Eaton County Prosecutor Doug Lloyd 24 Responsible to Prosecute all Alleged Crimes and Ordinance Violations in Eaton County Provides some Legal Advice and services to other county agencies including the Eaton County Sheriff and other Elected Officials Oversees Crime Victims Compensation Matters and Domestic Violence and Abuse Matters in Eaton County Works with other State Agencies including the Department of Human Services to Protect juveniles and also to make sure that juveniles who are threats to the community are appropriately adjudicated
25. 25. County Clerk Diana Bosworth 25 Principle Record Keeper of all Official Records of Eaton County including Property Records Responsible for supervising and conducting Elections within Eaton County Serves as official Secretary or Record Keeper for the Board of Commissioners Provides Clerical Oversight and Services to the Eaton County Courts
26. 26. County Treasurer Bob Robinson 26 Responsible for Financial Transactions in Eaton County, Including the collection and enforcement of tax matters Invests funds and assures the integrity and soundness of the Countys Financial and Auditing Systems Responsible for bonding and investment decisions in Eaton County
27. 27. Drain Commissioner Richard Wagner 27 Responsible for maintenance and Repair of Drainage systems within Eaton County Makes Decisions about the Financing of Drain improvements, repairs and installations including assessments
28. 28. Judge Thomas Byerley 28 Chief Judge in the Eaton County Court System Primary Judge Handling Juvenile Justice and Probate or Family Court Matters Administers Court matters including the Jury Administration Process
29. 29. Judge Jeffrey Sauter 29 Circuit Court Judge Hearing Criminal Felony matters and Civil Cases and Disputes involving larger potential damages or judgments
30. 30. Judge Jan Cunningham 30 Circuit Court Judge Hearing Criminal Felony matters and Civil Cases and Disputes involving larger potential damages or judgments
31. 31. Judge Julie Reincke 31 District Court Judge Hearing Primarily Criminal Misdemeanor matters, land lord tenant matters, and Civil Cases and Disputes involving damages or judgments of less than $25,000
32. 32. Judge Harvey Hoffman 32 District Court Judge Hearing Primarily Criminal Misdemeanor matters, land lord tenant matters, and Civil Cases and Disputes involving damages or judgments of less than $25,000
33. 33. Eaton County Board of Commissioners Setting Policy for Eaton County and Representing YOUR interests in Eaton County Government 33
34. 34. Need Help Making County Government Work for You or Your Business? Contact your County Commissioner! 34
35. 35. Dont Know Where to Turn for an Answer from Government? Start by Calling 2-1-1 Trained Staff at the 2-1-1 Location Can Get You to the Right Office for Help in the Tri-County Area! 35
36. 36. Got an EMERGENCY? Call 9-1-1 for County EMS Services or Law Enforcement! Need Information about the New Intelligent 9-1-1 Service Just introduced in Eaton County? Ask Here and Get an Information Brochure. Then Go Online and Update your 9-1-1 Profile. It could save YOUR life or the Life of Someone you Love! 36
37. 37. Commissioners Set County Policy and Help Provide County Management Oversight Commissioners in Eaton County Work Part Time, but Maintain Other Professional Roles in the Community. They advocate for their constituents, and Can often be found involved in related civic activities. Next time you see your Commissioner in public, dont hesitate to approach him or her to discuss what is going on in Eaton County and Issues related to You. 37
38. 38. Commissioners Have Their Own Interests and Goals for Eaton County. Ask About Them! The Diverse Backgrounds of the Commissioners who the Voters have elected in Eaton County results individual Commissioners developing specialty areas of interest and expertise which ultimately benefits us all by leading to decisions which reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives. 38
39. 39. Commissioners Become Involved in Idea and Issue Expertise Exchange and Development throughout the Region and State Many issues affecting the welfare of Eaton County residents and our children cannot be solved strictly within the boundaries of our County. Eaton County is involved in many collaborative efforts with our neighboring counties and the many authorities and villages, cities, and municipalities within the region as well as with state and even federal agencies. 39
40. 40. Commissioners work with businesses and individuals to achieve benefits for our residents and our children In this picture Eaton County Commissioner Osieczonek and Eaton County Road Commission Chair Dorothy Maxwell look on as the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Executive, Sue Pigg, awards Eaton Countys Relevant Academy with a check symbolizing a HUD grant awarded to get marginalized student residents in Eaton more involved in the governmental planning process 40
41. 41. Much of the Work of the Eaton County Board of Commissioners Occurs in Committees The primary (standing) committees of the Eaton County Board of Commissioners are: Public Safety (Law Enforcement Issues) Public Works (Economic Development, Roads, Services to the Public Health and Human Services (DHS, CMH, and Dept of Health matters) Ways and Means (Financial and Personnel Management oversight) Computers and Information Technology 41
42. 42. Commissioners are involved to advocate county interests at the Michigan Association of Counties and to Representatives in the Michigan Legislature An important part of learning to adequately represent the interests of Eaton County businesses and constituents requires taking time to participate in informational training and conferences at various locations within the state. This picture shows Commissioner Spence at the MAC fall legislative conference in Frankenmuth chatting with the Vice-President of the National Association of Counties. 42
43. 43. Eaton County is Entering an Exciting Time as Michigan Begins to Recover from the Great Recession YOUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT WANTS TO WORK WITH YOU TO ASSURE THAT THE RECOVERY IS AS COMPLETE AS IT CAN BE, AND THAT AS MANY RESIDENTS AS POSSIBLE BENEFIT FROM ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR AREA! 43
44. 44. Stop By to Get Literature Relating to Whats Going on in Eaton County and Info to Help You, Your Business, and Your Family! Eaton County Supports Businesses and Families in Collaborative Partnerships Fast, friendly, helpful, and at YOUR service! Getting help from Government is never a long shot in Eaton County! 44
45. 45. YOU Become Involved in Eaton Government! Apply to be INVOLVED as a volunteer decision maker on one of the many county Boards and Work Groups which the Board of Commissioners establishes to help make Eaton County run smoothly and to help bring innovation and growth into our communities. APPLICATIONS FOR COUNTY VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AND ALSO COMPENSATED POSITIONS CAN BE OBTAINED HERE NOW, OR ONLINE AT WWW.EATONCOUNTY.ORG. YOUR Ideas may be JUST what is needed to help solve problems and issues that arise in Eaton County! 45
46. 46. Working TOGETHER we can SOLVE Problems and Help Make Eaton County an Even Better Place 46
47. 47. Invite Me to Speak to a Group of Your Friends About What County Government Does for YOU! 47 I am Always Happy to Speak to You and Your Group of Friends, Church members, Civic Club, or Class about what County Government is and Does in Michigan! Willing to Share MY personal views about what is going on at the County Government Level, and What Issues are Being Considered that Impact Your Lives, Call Me: at (517) 321-8775 or Write Me: at CommissionerHowardSpence@gmail.com
48. 48. Demand Good Government! Vote and Make YOUR Voice Heard! Follow Me on Twitter at @CommissionerHTS or Be my Facebook Friend at www.Facebook.com/Howard.Spence.921 Visit my Website at www.CommissionerHowardSpence.com 48
49. 49. Thanks for Watching! 49