Special Meeting:2/8/2024 (ommissioner D. Rexroat Recommendation, 2/8/2024)

**Executive Summary**

This report addresses the sub-committee’s specific task of researching and presenting options for implementing an independent finance department, adhering to guidelines of clearly defined tasks and limited scope. The committee’s role is to listen, deliberate, and advise the full board. The report acknowledges past unsuccessful efforts in establishing an independent finance department and emphasizes the need for a new approach.

The core recommendation proposes a long-term plan centered around an Administrator/CFO position, who would oversee the finance department. This leader would be responsible for strategic guidance, the implementation of the finance department, and the recommendations from the Rheman report. This structure is intended to provide better governance for Leelanau County.

The proposal is supported by research indicating the availability of qualified candidates, as suggested by conversations with Chet Janik of MLI. Furthermore, it points out that counties highlighted in red already utilize a similar governance structure. The recommendation has been discussed with the administrator, who is open to what is in the best interest of Leelanau county.

The report concludes with an invitation for further discussion by the committee to consider the recommended Administrator/CFO structure and its potential benefits for Leelanau County’s financial management and governance.