Efficient, economical and ethical
The citizens of Macomb County voiced their need for executive leadership by implementing a new charter in 2009. Under that leadership, it is the responsibility of the executive to provide a high‐functioning, financially secure administration that delivers programs and services in an efficient and effective way.
Policy statement
The implementation of the new Macomb County Charter has brought more efficient, economical and ethical government to the County. Building upon these successes is a key component of providing sustainable government to residents and businesses in Macomb County.
The County Executive office, created under the new Macomb County Charter, provides department heads a single source of leadership and accountability with clear lines of direction. This transformation allows Macomb County to streamline operations and provide services at a better value to taxpayers.
The change in the Charter resulted in the County Executive delivering three consecutive balanced budgets and eliminated a budget gap of more than $52 million. The Wall Street bond rating agencies have taken note and have given the County the highest bond ratings possible, resulting in more than $3 million in annual savings on existing bond obligations. It is a goal of the County Executive’s office to continue to find new ways to provide better value to citizens without compromising services.
In addition to economical government, one of the top priorities of the County Executive’s office is transparency. The County was the first in Michigan to provide a significant web‐based “dashboard” which provides citizens with information about County operations. The public provides an important oversight role to government. This new dashboard fulfills that role by showcasing the County’s structure and detailed spending.
The third promise is ethical government. The County Executive’s office has set high standards and expectations for every county employee. Within its first year of operation, the County Executive’s office established the Macomb County Ethics Board to provide independent oversight and ensure that Macomb County government operates in a highly professional and ethical manner.
Transparency provides fundamental oversight to citizens. Macomb County will continue to implement and administer accessible and transparent government. Macomb County doesn’t just meet state standards recommended for ethics and financial information transparency and clarity, it exceeds them.
Taking action
- Improve the structure and function of county government
- Improve the financial position of county government
- Make government more user‐friendly