Saturday, August 11, 2012

Muskegon County Board of Commissioners Statement of Policy

STATEMENT OF POLICY
The Board of Commissioners of Muskegon County, Michigan hereby agrees to establish
an office of the County Administrator and declares the intent to maintain the following
policies regarding his/her responsibilities and its relationship with him/her.
A. General duties and responsibilities of the Administrator shall be:
1. To prepare the annual budget and capital improvement program for
submission to the Board of Commissioners and to direct and supervise the
accounting and control functions necessary to ensure compliance with the
budget as adopted by the Board.
2. To serve as the chief professional advisor to the Board and to assist in
securing specialized technical and professional consulting services as
needed.
3. To make such reports as the Board may require concerning operations of the
county government and to prepare plans and programs for the Board’s
consideration in anticipation of future needs and services.
4. To supervise and direct all county agencies and personnel under the
jurisdiction of the Board of Commissioners.
5. To serve as a representative of the Board of Commissioners in
communications with autonomous county officers and board and with
agencies of other federal, state, and local governmental agencies.
6. To provide general supervision of the Department of Corporate Counsel.
B. In order that the Administrator may exercise effectively the general duties and
responsibilities listed in Rule XIX, the Board of Commissioners will, through motion
or through the Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners:
1. Provide that he/she will attend all meetings of the Board (except when
his/her own position and salary are to be discussed) and that he/she may
participate in discussion of matters before the board but without a vote.
2. Direct all committees under the jurisdiction of the Board to notify the
Administrator of all meetings and to invite him/her to attend and participate
in committee discussions.
3. Assign to him/her the preparation of the agenda for meetings of the Board
and its own members who wish to have matters placed on the agenda to
submit their requests to him/her in advance.
4. Adopt uniform personnel policies to be applied to County employees by
the Administrator.
C. To promote the coordination of all activities of the County, the Board of
Commissioners will:
1. Invite statutory boards and committees to designate the Administrator as the
administrative officer or otherwise work in close cooperation with his/her
office.

2. Encourage independently elected county officials to coordinate their work
with that of the Administrator and to meet with him/her periodically for the
consideration of county programs and plans.
3. Invite other local units of government in the county to cooperate with the
Administrator through the establishment of joint conference committees,
coordinated procedures, and other arrangements that may be established.
D. The Administrator, in turn, will be expected to:
1. Work with the Board of Commissioners as a single body, except insofar as
the Board may direct him/her to work with committees or statutory boards.
2. Keep the board fully advised of the financial condition and future needs of
the county and make such recommendations concerning the affairs of the
county as he/she deems appropriate.
3. Recognize at all times that he/she is accountable to the Board of
Commissioners for the administration of its policies and programs and for
his/her conduct as a responsible public official.
4. The Administrator will inform the Board in writing of any outside boards
and/or committees on which he/she was asked to serve and accepted.

County Board of Commissioners - Political Activity

RULE XXI - POLITICAL ACTIVITY
The County Administrator and directors shall not be involved, directly or indirectly with
political activities involving County Commissioners or persons seeking such office.
This prohibition shall not abridge the employee’s right to express an opinion concerning
said individuals or to actively support other political candidates or parties, subject to no
violation of the Hatch Act.
Such activities include use of employee’s name or picture implying support or opposition,
fund raising, financial support, or activities which may be construed by the general public
as support or opposition for any person seeking or holding the position of County
Commissioner.
No person holding the position of County Commissioner shall in any way coerce or
demand support of the Administrator, directors, or any other County employees, and any
such attempts shall be reported to the Administrator and the Chairperson of the Board.

County Board of Commissioner - Corporate Counsel

RULE XX - CORPORATE COUNSEL
The Board of Commissioners of Muskegon County, Michigan, hereby establishes the office
of Corporate Counsel and declares its intent to maintain the following policies regarding
the Corporate Counsel’s responsibilities:
Section 1 - Appointment
The Corporate Counsel shall be appointed by and responsible to the County Board of
Commissioners to serve at the will of the Board, a majority of all the members elected and
serving being required for appointment, suspension or removal. If employed, the
Corporate Counsel may appeal any such suspension or discharge pursuant to the
procedures set forth in Rule XV, Section 6. However, the Board of Commissioners may
elect not to employ counsel, but may request proposals from attorneys to provide services
on an hourly or retainer basis.
The Corporate Counsel shall be appointed on the basis of merit, education and
experience.
Section 2 - Powers & Duties
A. The Corporate Counsel shall be the chief legal officer of the county and shall
exercise all powers and functions of that office, as provided by law, shall be
responsible to the Board of Commissioners for the proper administration of all legal
affairs of all departments herein provided, and shall act on behalf of the Board of
Commissioners for those departments which are under the general control of the
Board of Commissioners.
B. The Corporate Counsel shall provide monthly reports to the Board of
Commissioners and the Administrator as to the status of all ongoing work and
projects. The Corporate Counsel shall report to the Administrator on a day-to-day
basis.
Section 3 - Termination
The Corporate Counsel shall serve at the pleasure and will of the Board of Commissioners
and can be removed by a majority vote of those elected and serving.

County Board - County Administrator

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
The Board of Commissioners of Muskegon County, Michigan, hereby establishes the office
of County Administrator and declares its intent to maintain the following policies regarding
the Administrator’s responsibilities:
Section 1 - Appointment
The County Administrator shall be appointed by the County Board of Commissioners to
serve at the will of the Board, a majority of all the members elected and serving being
required for appointment, suspension or removal.
The Administrator shall be appointed on the basis of merit, education and experience.
Section 2 - Powers and Duties
A. The County Administrator shall be the chief administrative officer of the county and
shall exercise all powers and functions of that office, as provided by law, shall be
responsible to the Board of Commissioners for the proper administration of all
affairs of those departments herein provided; and shall act on behalf of the Board
of Commissioners for those departments which are under the general control of the
Board of Commissioners.
B. The Administrator shall appoint or discipline administrative officers (directors)
except those officers (directors) described in Rule XV, Section 2 in accordance with
Rule 7 of the Personnel Rules and the Statement of Policy, according to the
following procedures.
1. Appointment
a. The Administrator shall advertise vacancies according to procedures
adopted by the Board of Commissioners.
b. The Administrator shall recommend to the Ways & Means Committee
of the Board of Commissioners the names of three candidates
deemed most acceptable for the vacant position.
c. The Board of Commissioners, or a designated committee, shall
thereafter interview said candidates or such others as they deem
necessary. The Administrator shall assist the committee during said
interviews and offer advice as to the person best suited for said
vacant position.
2. Discipline and Removal
The Administrator shall have the authority to discipline and/or terminate an
administrative officer (Director) as provided in Rule XV, Section 6.

Section 3 - Review and Evaluation
Annually, between the end of the fiscal year and the organizational meeting, the
commission shall review and evaluate the job performance of the Administrator. The
Administrator may be invited to attend, but in any event shall be furnished with a summary
of the minutes of the session in a meeting with the Chairperson.
Section 4 - Termination
Understanding the unique relationship between the office of the Administrator and the
Board of Commissioners, the Administrator fully understands that the condition of his
appointment to the position of Administrator is at the pleasure of the Board of
Commissioners and his tenure with the County may be terminated with or without cause
by a majority vote of those elected and serving.

County Board of Commissioners Agendas Rules

RULE XVII - AGENDA
The agenda for the Board of Commissioners’ meetings will be prepared by the
Administrator and Chairperson and mailed to all members of the Board on the Friday prior
to the Board meetings.
Public comment is permitted as follows:
1. On an agenda item, by providing a completed “Public Comment” form to the
recording secretary, chair or commissioner, and being recognized by the chair
during the first public comment period.
2. On a new topic to be introduced by any person by providing a completed “Public
Comment” form to the recording secretary, chair or commissioner and being
recognized by the chair during the second public comment period.
3. Unless time is extended prior to the public comment period by a vote of a majority
of the Commission, comments shall be limited to two minutes for each participant.
4. A person making comment may only speak once per item.
5. Any items requiring a vote by the Full Board, must be provided 48 hours in advance,
although the Board shall retain the right to introduce any motions during the
meeting.

Board of Commissioners - Departments & Directors


RULE XV - DEPARTMENTS
Section 1 - Duties
The Public Works Board, a board created by statute, shall have responsibility for the
following duties: Public Works, Wastewater Management, Solid Waste, Special
Assessment Funds and Resource Recovery and Research.
Section 2 - Community Mental Health, Brookhaven and Public Works
The directors of the Community Mental Health, Brookhaven and Public Works departments
shall be responsible to their respective boards in carrying out the policies of said boards.
Within the scope of daily operations, however, they shall be responsible to the
Administrator who shall have the authority to suspend or to suspend with a
recommendation of discharge the director subject to review by their board as provided for
in Section 6 below.
Section 3 - Emergency Services
*The Emergency Services Management Coordinator shall be appointed by the Board of
Commissioners. On August 12, 2008, a Letter of Agreement was adopted transferring the
EMS Coordinator to the Sheriff’s Department. If the Board requests, at any time, the EMS
Coordinator will be returned to the Board of Commissioners.
Section 4 - Departments
The Board shall determine and prescribe the functions and duties of each department, and
by vote of a majority of its members, may create new departments, combine or abolish
existing departments, and establish temporary departments for special work.
The following departments are hereby established:
A. Department of Finance & Management Services
B. Department of Community Development
C. Department of Equalization
D. Department of Public Health
E. Brookhaven Medical Care Facility
F. Department of Human Resources
G. Department of Public Works
H. Department of Community Mental Health
I. Department of Corrections Services
J. Wastewater Management System

Section 5 - Directors
There shall be a director of each department who shall have the supervision and control
thereof, and who shall be appointed by the Board according to the recommendation of the
Administrator as provided in Rule XIX, Section 2(B) and who shall be immediately
responsible to the Administrator for the administration of his/her department, except as
provided for under the Public Works Act, the Mental Health Code, and the Social Welfare
Act, which includes MCL 123.736, MCL 330.1230, MCL 400.58, respectively, and Section
2 of this Rule.
Directors shall be responsible for the hiring and discharge of employees within their
department. Directors shall discipline, up to and including discharge, subject to the
Personnel Rules of the County of Muskegon, or applicable collective bargaining
agreement.
Section 6 - Discipline and Removal
A. The Administrator shall have the authority to discipline a Director, including a
suspension or a suspension with a recommendation for discharge, subject to the
procedures herein. A Director shall only be disciplined for cause, to include but not
limited to, incompetence, official misconduct, or habitual or willful neglect of duty.
There is no progressive discipline procedure for a Director. The Administrator may
recommend termination if, and only if, the Administrator finds that the Director is
incompetent to execute properly the duties of the office or if, on charges and
evidence, the Administrator is satisfied that the officer or agent is guilty of official
misconduct, or habitual or willful neglect of duty, and if the misconduct or neglect
is a sufficient cause termination.
B. Written notice of any discipline less than a recommendation of discharge shall be
given by the Administrator to the Director with the reasons stated. The Director may,
within five (5) working days, demand that the matter be referred to a Hearing Board,
as defined in Section 6(e)(4), for a hearing. The Hearing Board shall render its final
and binding decision within thirty (30) days of the close of the hearing. The hearing
shall be held in accordance with the administrative procedures for the conduct of
a hearing as described in Section 6(e). By a majority vote of the members
appointed, they will make a decision that either affirms, modifies, or revokes the
recommendation of the Administrator.
C. Written notice of a suspension with a recommendation of discharge of a Director
shall be given to the Director, by the Administrator, with the reasons stated. The
Director may be suspended without pay from the time of notification of a
recommendation of discharge.

D. Prior to the issuance of a suspension with a recommendation for discharge, the
Director shall have the right to have a pre-termination hearing before the
Administrator. At the pre-termination hearing, the Director may be represented and
shall have the opportunity to present reasons why discharge is inappropriate. This
is an informal hearing and no specific procedures are required, except that the
Administrator provide written notice, as provided in subsections (b) and (c), above.
At the conclusion of the pre-termination hearing, the Administrator may impose the
suspension with a recommendation for discharge or impose a lesser discipline or
take no action. If the Administrator imposes a suspension with the recommendation
for discharge, the matter shall be referred to the Board of Commissioners, which
shall hear the matter as soon as practicable, pursuant to the procedures in Section
6(e) of this Rule.
E. Hearing Procedure for Board or Designee.
This hearing format applies to a hearing requested by a Director for a suspension
without a recommendation for termination (Section 6(b)) or to a hearing required by
Section 6(d) prior to termination of a Director.
1. Notice
(A) The parties shall be given a reasonable notice of the hearing, which
notice shall include:
(i) A statement of the date, hour, place, and nature of the hearing.
(ii) A statement that the hearing is under the authority of MCL
46.11(n) if a termination, or under Rule XVI, Section 6(b) if not
for termination.
(iii) A short and plain statement of the matters asserted.
(iv) A statement that the Director may request a change of time or
date until 48 hours prior to the hearing, however the
rescheduled hearing will be no later than five (5) days from the
originally scheduled hearing.
(v) A statement that the Director may be represented or assisted
by legal counsel, at his or her expense, at the hearing.
(B) Notice will be sent by certified mail or hand delivered to the Director.
(C) A formal hearing will be scheduled no later than ten (10) days after
the mailing or hand delivery of the notice.

(D) The Director may file a written answer prior to the date of the hearing.
2. Discovery
(A) Any reports or other information possessed by the County will be
provided to the Director within three (3) days after the mailing of the
noticed of the scheduled hearing, subject to the limitations of the
Freedom of Information Act.
(B) Records of internal procedures of the County are exempt from
discovery.
3. Evidence
(A) The Director and the County may have legal representation and call
witnesses to testify.
(B) The parties shall be given an opportunity to present oral and written
arguments on issues of law and policy and an opportunity to present
evidence and argument on issues of fact.
(C) The Michigan Rules of Evidence shall apply to a formal hearing to the
extent practicable, but the Board may admit, however, and give
probative effect to evidence of a type commonly relied upon by
reasonably prudent persons in the conduct of their affairs. Irrelevant,
immaterial or unduly repetitious evidence may be excluded. Effect
shall be given to the rules of privilege recognized by law. Objections
to offers of evidence may be made and shall be noted in the record.
(D) A party may cross-examine a witness, including the author of a
document prepared by, on behalf of, or for use of the County and
offered in evidence. A party may submit rebuttal evidence.
(E) A deposition may be used in lieu of other evidence, when taken in
compliance with the Michigan Rules of Court.
(F) Evidence in a formal hearing, including records and documents in
possession of the County of which it desires to avail itself, shall be
offered and made a part of the record. Other factual information or
evidence shall not be considered in determination of the case.
Documentary evidence may be received in the form of a copy or
excerpt, if the original is not readily available, or may be incorporated
by reference, if the materials so incorporated are available for
examination by the parties.

Upon timely request, a party shall be given an opportunity to compare
the copy with the original when available.
(G) The Hearing Board may take official notice of judicially cognizable
facts, and may take notice of general, technical or scientific facts
within the Board's specialized knowledge. The Board shall notify the
Director at the earliest practicable time of any noticed fact which
pertains to a material disputed issue which is being adjudicated, and
on timely request the Director shall be given an opportunity before
final decision to dispute the fact or its materiality. The Board may use
its experience, technical competence and specialized knowledge in
the evaluation of evidence presented to it.
(H) The Hearing Officer may issue subpoenas to compel attendance and
testimony of witnesses and the production of books, papers and other
documentary evidence.
4. Hearing Board.
(A) The Hearing Board shall be one of the following:
(i) For a recommendation of suspension without termination, the
Hearing Board may be the County Board of Commissioners or
the Ways and Means Committee.
(ii) For a recommendation of suspension with termination, the
Hearing Board shall be the County Board of Commissioners.
(B) The Hearing Officer shall be the Chairperson of the County Board of
Commissioners, or the person who acts in his or her place, for
hearings to review a recommendation to terminate, according to these
Board Rules. The Hearing Officer shall be the Chairperson of the
Ways and Means Committee, or the person who acts in his or her
place, for hearings to review suspensions, according to these Board
Rules.
(C) On the filing in good faith by a party of a timely and sufficient affidavit
of personal bias or disqualification of a presiding Hearing Officer, this
matter will be subject to judicial review at the conclusion of the
proceeding. When a Hearing Officer is disqualified or it is
impracticable for him or her to continue the hearing, another Hearing
Officer may be assigned by the Chairperson of the County Board of
Commissioners to continue with the case unless it is shown that
substantial prejudice to the party will result therefrom.

(D) Unless required for disposition of an ex parte matter authorized by
law, a member of the Hearing Board assigned to make a decision or
to make findings of fact and conclusions of law in a formal hearing
shall not communicate, directly or indirectly, in connection with any
issue of fact, with any person or party, nor, in connection with any
issue of law, with any party or his or her representative, except on
notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. This prohibition
begins at the time of the notice of hearing. A Hearing Board member
may communicate with other members of the Board and may have
the aid and advice of the County staff other than the staff which has
been or is engaged in investigating or prosecuting functions in
connection with the case under consideration or a factually related
case.
5. Record
(A) The Hearing Board shall prepare an official record of a hearing which
shall include:
(i) Notices, pleadings, motions and intermediate rulings.
(ii) Questions and offers of proof, objections and rulings thereon.
(iii) Evidence presented.
(iv) Matters officially noticed, except matters so obvious that a
statement of them would serve no useful purpose.
(v) Proposed findings and exceptions.
(vi) Any decision, opinion, order or report by the Hearing Officer
presiding at the hearing and the Administrator.
(B) Oral proceedings at which evidence is presented shall be recorded,
but need not be transcribed unless requested by a party who shall
pay for the transcription of the portion requested except as otherwise
provided by law.
6. Decision
(A) A final decision or order of the Hearing Board shall be made within
thirty (30) days of the formal hearing, in writing or stated in the record
and shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law separated
into sections captioned or entitled "findings of fact" and "conclusions
of law", respectively.

Findings of fact shall be based exclusively on the evidence and on
matters officially noticed. Findings of fact, if set forth in statutory
language, shall be accompanied by a concise and explicit statement
of the underlying facts supporting them. If a party submits proposed
findings of fact that would control the decision or order, the decision
or order shall include a ruling upon each proposed finding. Each
conclusion of law shall be supported by authority or reasoned opinion.
A decision or order shall not be made except upon consideration of
the record as a whole or a portion of the record as may be cited by
any party to the proceeding and as supported by and in accordance
with the competent, material, and substantial evidence. A copy of the
decision or order shall be delivered or mailed immediately to each
party and to his or her attorney of record.
(B) A Director may be terminated only upon a finding by the County
Board of Commissioners that, in the Board's opinion:
(i) The Director is incompetent to execute properly the duties of
the office or,
(ii) On charges and evidence, the board is satisfied that the
Director is:
(a) Guilty of official misconduct, or habitual or willful neglect
of duty;
(b) And that the misconduct or neglect is a sufficient cause
for removal.
(C) This decision shall be the final step in the administrative process.
7. Appeal
A decision of the Hearing Board may be appealed to the Circuit Court no later than
sixty (60) days after the date of the final decision.
8. Default
If a party fails to appear in a contested case after proper service of notice, the
Hearing Board, if no adjournment is granted, may proceed with the hearing and
make its decision in the absence of the party.
9. Formal Hearing Format
(A) Call to order by Hearing Officer.

(B) Date, time and reason for hearing stated.
(C) Introductions. All names, positions and titles, representatives and
reasons for attendance of individuals present at the hearing shall be
stated for the record by the Hearing Officer. At this time the Hearing
Officer shall question Board Members as to any conflict of interest in
the case before the Board.
(D) Hearing Format
(i) Proceedings are to be recorded and kept available as a matter
of public record.
(ii) County staff may present their case or may be represented,
allowing opportunities for cross-examination by the Director or
the Director's representative.
(iii) The Director or the Director’s representative shall present their
case, allowing an opportunity for cross-examination by the
County staff or representative.
(iv) Both the County and the Director shall have an opportunity to
clarify their respective positions.
(v) Hearing Board members may ask questions at any time.
(vi) The Board may deliberate on the testimony/evidence for no
more than thirty (30) days.
(vii) The Board must render a decision within thirty (30) days.
(viii) Final decisions of the Board shall be announced with all parties
present in a meeting open to the public. A decision may be
made for the County or the Director on each allegation.

RULE XVI - AMENDMENTS TO MUSKEGON COUNTY BOARD RULES
After submission to the Human Resources committee, and upon its recommendation,
these rules may be amended at any regular or special meeting by a majority vote of the
commission, provided that notice has been given at the previous regular Board meeting,
as reflected in the official minutes of the Board. Amendments to these rules shall not be
made at any meeting at which any commissioner is unable to attend because of official
county business.

Board of Commissioners - Committees

RULE XIV - COMMITTEES
Section 1 - Standing Committees
A. The Chairperson of the County Board of Commissioners shall, by the first regularly
scheduled Full Board meeting following the Organizational Meeting of the Board,
designate the regular committees of the Board, their composition, and designate the
chairperson and vice chairperson as a membership of each committee for the
ensuing year. Such appointments are subject to the approval of the majority of the
commission.
B. Said composition of committees shall remain unchanged during said year, except
as a member resigns his/her position; a vacancy occurs; a member is removed
from his/her position on such committee, or the structure of said committee is
changed by a majority of the commission.
C. Commissioners shall not serve on a committee unless he/she is appointed to the
committee by the County Board. No commissioner may substitute for another
commissioner on a committee without prior approval from the County Board.
Section 2 - Special Committees
The chairperson of the Board, with the approval of the Board of Commissioners may
appoint such special committees as the chair deems necessary. The purpose of the
committee, its charges, the length of time it shall exist, and its membership shall be stated
in the minutes of the Full Board meeting at which it was established.
Section 3 - Committee Procedure
A. The following standing committees-of-the-whole of the Board of Commissioners and their respective duties are established:

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/STRATEGIC PLANNING
Accommodations Tax
Capital & Public Improvements
(excluding items within confines of Public W orks Board)
County Real Estate
Economic Development Corporation
Fairgrounds
Heritage Landing
Harbor Development
Parks
Special Projects
Tourism
West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission
Convention Center

TRANSPORTATION
Airport
Muskegon Area Transit System
Trolleys
HUMAN RESOURCES
Cooperative Extension
Health
Medical Examiner
Mental Health
Human Services (Child Haven/Brookhaven)
State Institutions (CMH 10% Match)
Veterans’ Affairs
Board Rules Committee
WAYS & MEANS
Administration
Finance & Management Services
Facilities Management
Corporate Counsel
Elected Officials (excluding judges, courts, prosecutor and sheriff)
Equal Employment Opportunity
Equalization
Department of Human Resources
COURTS/PUBLIC SAFETY
Courts
Prosecutor
Public Defender
Community Corrections
Sheriff
Emergency Services
Building Security
Jury Commission
Juvenile Detention Center
Child Care
B. Each committee shall have a chairperson and a vice chairperson appointed by the
chairperson of the Board of Commissioners and confirmed by a majority vote of the
commission.
C. Each committee is to be responsible for policy and program development for the
areas, departments and projects assigned. Primary responsibility for all personnel
and financial matters that change or alter budgets, shall be assigned to the Ways
& Means Committee. All such items shall be reviewed and recommended by the
Administrator.
D. When a quorum for a scheduled meeting is not achieved within fifteen (15) minutes
of the appointed meeting time, the meeting shall be adjourned.
E. Any member finding it necessary to be excused from the committee meeting before
adjournment shall notify the chairperson.
F. All formal bids received by the county shall be opened publicly at a date and time
as posted by the County Purchasing Department.
G. Committee chairpersons shall be allowed to enter into the discussion on any items
under consideration. The chairperson may not make a motion or support one.
Section 4 - Ad Hoc Committees
The Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners shall, with the approval of the Board of
Commissioners, appoint members to serve on outside ad hoc committees.
A. Appointment to an Ad Hoc committee shall be for the purpose of representing the
County Board of Commissioners and not the Board member’s personal position on
issues and/or projects that come before the Ad Hoc committee.
B. The Board member shall attend regularly scheduled meetings. If more than three
unexcused consecutive meetings are missed by the Board member, the Chair of the
Board and/or a majority vote of the commissioners may remove that member from
the Ad Hoc committee and a new commissioner shall be appointed by the Chair
with the consent of the Board for the remainder of the term.
C. Board members representing the Board of Commissioners on any Ad Hoc
Committee shall be required to report back to the Full Board, at least quarterly, or
may be removed from the Ad Hoc Committee by the Board Chairperson and a new
commissioner shall be appointed by the Chair with the consent of the Board for the
remainder of the term.

Board of Commissioners - Conflict of Interest

RULE XII - CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Section 1 - Questions
Questions regarding a conflict of interest shall be handled in the following manner:
A. Any Board member may raise the point of a potential conflict of interest among the
group.
B. When discussions involve a contract, a commissioner is expected to immediately
disclose a potential conflict of interest in the question to the official body, which
disclosure shall be made as a matter of public record.
C. When discussions involve other actions not specifically included under the areas of
contracts, the chairperson is expected to rule on the issue; however, the Board,
excluding the commissioner in suspected conflict, may, by a two-thirds vote,
overturn the chairperson’s decision.
D. Upon any of the above conditions, the Board is required to approve a contract, or
any other action, by a vote of not less than 2/3 of the full membership of the
approving body without the vote of the commissioner making such disclosure MCLA
§15.323)
Section 2 - Exceptions
Commissioners are not required to declare a conflict of interest if the question involves
contracts between public entities, contracts awarded to the lowest qualified bidder, or as
provided for in Section 4 MCLA §15.324 or contracts for public utility services. (MCLA
§15.324)

County Board of Commissiones - Motions and Resolutions


RULE VII - MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS
Section 1
No motion shall be put or debated unless seconded. If requested, it shall then be stated
in full by the chairperson before the vote.
Section 2
Any motion shall be put in writing at the request of the chairperson or any member of the
Board.
Section 3
Prior to a call for a vote, as prescribed in Rule VI, Section 7,before a motion has been
stated by the Chair, the maker of a motion may withdraw or modify such motion without
consent. The seconder may withdraw a second if the motion is so modified.
Before voting on the question has begun, the motion maker may withdraw, modify or
accept an amendment to such motion if approved by the chair, providing no member
objects. If an objection is raised by any member concerning such action, a vote shall
immediately be taken on the objection to such withdrawal, modification or amendment.


RULE VIII - PRIVILEGED CLASS OF MOTION
Section 1
When a question is under debate, no motion shall be in order except the following which
shall have precedence in order named:
A. Fix the time to which to adjourn
B. Adjourn
C. Recess
D. Raise a question of privilege
E. Call for orders of the day (requires the adopted program or order of business to be
followed)
F. Limit or extend debate
G. Postpone to a certain time
H. Comment or refer
I. To amend
J. To postpone indefinitely

RULE IX - RECONSIDERATION
Section 1
A motion to reconsider must be made by a member who voted with the side which
prevailed and requires a simple majority vote for adoption, if all members who voted with
the prevailing side are present or have been notified that the reconsideration shall be
moved, otherwise a two-thirds vote is required.
A motion for reconsideration of any question before the Full Board shall not be in order
unless made on the same day, or at the meeting of the Full Board next succeeding that on
which the decision proposed to be reconsidered was made. Provided, however, a motion
to reconsider a vote in a standing committee can be made and taken up regardless of the
time that has elapsed since the vote was taken and there shall be no limit to the number
of times a question can be reconsidered.

RULE X - DIVISION OF QUESTION
Section 1
A. A division of any motion shall be made when so requested by any member of the
Board; provided however, such division shall be so distinct that one part being taken
away, the other will remain as an entire motion for decision.
B. A request by a Board member for a division of question is an incidental motion
normally not debatable. The motion may not be reconsidered. It can, however, be
amended.
C. If the subjects differ, the question must be divided upon the sole request of a
commissioner. If the topics relate, but can stand alone, the question may be divided
on a regular motion and a simple majority vote.

RULE XI - APPEAL DECISION OF CHAIR
Section 1
When an appeal is taken from a decision of the chair, the question shall immediately be
put in the following form: “Shall the ruling of the chair be sustained?” The question shall
be determined by a majority vote of the members present, except that the chairperson shall
not vote. Should the vote result in a tie, the chair shall be sustained.

County Board of Commissioners Rights and Duties

RULE VI - RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS
Section 1
When a member wishes to speak, the member shall address the chair and the chair shall
recognize the member.
Section 2
No member shall speak more than twice on the same question without permission from the
chair.
Section 3
When two or more members seek the floor at the same time, the chair shall determine who
is to speak first.
Section 4
When a member is speaking on any question before the Board, the member shall not be
interrupted except to be called to order.
Section 5
When a member is called to order, the member shall immediately do so. The Board, if a
commissioner appeals the ruling by challenging the ruling of the chair, may overrule the
call to order.
Section 6
The chairperson shall vote on all questions, except on an appeal from the chair’s decision.
In the event of a tie vote, the ruling of the chair is sustained.
Section 7
After a vote is ordered and the clerk directed to call the roll, no member shall be entitled
to speak to the question. Upon completion of the roll, a member may explain said vote
upon recognition by the chair.

Muskegon County Board of Commissioner - Manner of Voting


RULE IV - MANNER OF VOTING AND MAJORITY REQUIRED

Section 1 - Roll Call Vote
After the election of a chairperson and vice chairperson, the elections and appointments,
as vested in the Board of Commissioners and in other matters as may be required by these
rules, shall be by voice vote. The adoption of the annual budget and questions involving
the expenditure of public funds, shall be by roll call. Any member of the Board may
request that the vote on any matter be by roll call.
Section 2 - Majority Vote
All questions and motions which shall arise at any meetings shall be determined by the
vote of a majority of the commissioners present, except the final passage or adoption of
any measure of law, or the allowance of any claim against the county, in which case a
majority of all the commissioners elected and serving shall be necessary.
Section 3 - Procedure for Taking a Roll Call Vote
The roll is called in alphabetical order, in rotation, except that the presiding officer’s name
is called last. The debate is finished when one person has answered the roll call. If a
member answers “pass” his/her name will be called again at the conclusion of the roll call
and the secretary/clerk will announce the final result.


RULE V - CLOSE DEBATE (PREVIOUS QUESTION)
A motion to close debate (or move the previous question) when made and seconded, must
be put to a vote without debate. A two-thirds vote of those present, is necessary for
passage, and if such is not achieved, the question cannot be raised again until substantial
debate has ensued. If passed, the motion on the floor shall immediately be voted upon.

Muskegon County Board of Commissioners - Order of Business

RULE III - ORDER OF BUSINESS
Section 1 - Agenda Format - Full Board
The following shall be the order of business governing the proceedings of the Board of
Commissioners while in regular Full Board meetings:
1. Call to Order
2. Invocation or Meditation
3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
4. Roll Call of Commissioners
5. Approval of Agenda
6. Approval of Previous Minutes
7. Public Comment (on an agenda item)
8. Communications
9. Committee Reports
10. Chairperson’s Report
11. Administrator’s Report
12. Old Business
13. New Business
14. Public Comment (on a new topic)
15. Adjournment
The following shall be the order of business governing the proceedings of the Board of
Commissioners while in regular Committee meetings:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Previous Minutes
4. Presentations (time limit 10 minutes)
5. Public Comment (on an agenda item)
6. Items for Consideration
7. Old Business
8. New Business
9. Public Comment (on a new topic)
10. Adjournment

Muskegon County Board of Commissioners - Officers

RULE II - BOARD OFFICERS
Section 1 - Chairperson
The Board, at its first meeting of the January session in each year, shall choose, by roll call
or ballot, one of its members to be chairperson. A majority vote of the commissioners of
the Board shall be necessary for a choice.
The chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be elected for one-year terms, the elections
to occur as set forth in Rule 1, Section 3.
If the chairperson or vice-chairperson dies or resigns, an election for the position shall take
place within 30 days of such date according to the procedure set out in Rule 1, Section 3.
The chairperson shall preside at a meeting of the board, but if the chairperson is absent
from a meeting, the vice-chairperson shall preside. A chairperson may administer an oath
to a person concerning a matter submitted to the county board of commissioners or
connected with the discharge of its duties, may issue subpoenas for witnesses, and may
compel the attendance of a witness in the same manner as a court of law. The county
board of commissioners may designate 1 member to affix his or her signature to contracts,
bond and other documents requiring the signature of the chairperson, if the chairperson
is unable to so do because of illness or other exigency which, in the opinion of the board,
prevents the chairperson from performing the functions of the office. MCL 46.3 Sec. 3 (5)
In the absence or unavailability of the chair, the vice-chair is designated to sign contracts,
bonds and other documents. In the absence or unavailability of both the chair and the
vice-chair, the chair of the Ways & Means Committee is designated, and in the case of all
three listed being absent/unavailable, the vice-chair of the Ways & Means Committee is
designated as signatory.
The chairperson shall make appointments to standing committees, boards, and
commissions subject to approval of the Board of Commissioners.
Section 2 - Vice Chairperson Duties
The vice chairperson of the Board shall perform the duties of the chairperson when that
person is absent.

Rules of the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners


RULE 1 - SESSIONS AND MEETINGS
Section 1 - Place of Meeting
All sessions and meetings of the Board of Commissioners shall be held at the Hall of
Justice or at such other place open to the public as the Board shall determine, provided
advance notice is given as required by law.
Section 2 - Time of Meeting
All regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners shall be called at 3:30 PM. For any
special meeting, the day and hour of assembling shall be stated in the call for such
meeting.
Section 3 - Organizational Meeting
The Board of Commissioners shall convene and hold its first meeting at 3:30 PM on the
second business day after January 1 of each year in the Commission chambers of the Hall
of Justice. This meeting shall be known as the organizational meeting and the county clerk
shall preside. The Board shall transact such business at such meeting as shall be
provided by these rules and the Constitution and statutes of the State of Michigan
according to the following agenda:
1. The County Clerk, or his/her designee as provided by law, shall administer the oath
of office to the commissioners, if the oath has not been previously administered.
2. These rules shall then be adopted by resolution.
3. The election of the chairperson shall take place in accordance with the following
procedure:
a. the clerk shall call for nominations for the office of chairperson and when
nominations are closed by vote of the majority or only one person is
nominated. The clerk shall take the vote of the commissioners by roll call or
ballot, if requested by one of those nominated. When one nominee receives
a majority of the votes of the members elected and serving, that nominee
shall be the chairperson.
b. The newly elected chairperson shall assume the chair and proceed with the
election to the office of vice-chairperson, following the procedure set forth in
Section 3.3(a) above.
4. During the Organizational Meeting the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
may adopt its goals for the upcoming year.

Section 4 - Annual Session
The commissioners of this county shall meet annually for the transaction of business as
a county board of commissioners and for the purpose of reviewing the budget. The County
Board of Commissioners may also hold special meetings, when necessary, at the times
and places it finds convenient, and may adjourn from time to time as it considers
necessary. The annual meeting of the County Board of Commissioners shall be held each
year after September 14, but before October 16. When the term, October session, or other
term used to designate the annual meeting, is used, it shall be construed to mean the
annual meeting required by this section. The annual meeting of the County Board of
Commissioners shall be held at a place in the county which the county clerk appoints with
approval of the County Board of Commissioners, or at the place where regular meetings
of the County Board of Commissioners are held. (MCL 46.1, Section 1. (1).)
Section 5 - Special Sessions and Meetings
Special meetings of the Board of Commissioners shall be held only when requested by at
least one-third of the commissioners, which request shall be in writing, addressed to the
County Clerk, specifying the time, place and purpose of such meeting; provided however,
that the Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners may call a special session of the
Board of Commissioners to meet at such time and for such purpose as he/she deems
appropriate (MCLA 46.10)
Upon written receipt by the County Clerk, he/she will immediately forward the request to
the County Administrator’s office for processing.
Special meetings of committees of the Board of Commissioners shall only be held when
requested by the chairperson of the committee, specifying the time, place and purpose of
such meeting, and upon approval of the County Board of Commissioners or the
Chairperson of the County Board.
Section 6 - Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners are generally held on the second and
fourth Tuesdays of each month at 3:30 PM in the Commission Chambers located on the
fourth floor of the Hall of Justice except for conflicts with legal holidays or other potential
conflicts that may arise.
Section 7 - Open Meetings Act
All meetings of the County Board or committees thereof shall be open to the public, except
for sessions closed as hereinafter provided in accordance with the Open Meetings Act
#267 of 1976.

Section 8 - Closed Sessions
A two-thirds roll call vote of all members elected or appointed and serving shall be required
to call a closed session, except for closed sessions permitted under Section 9 (A) and (B.)
The motion to call a closed session shall state the purpose or purposes for calling the
closed session, and such motion and the roll call vote thereon shall be entered into the
minutes of the meeting. (Open Meetings Act of 1976, Section 15.267, Sec. 7 (1) and MCL
Section 15.268.)
A separate set of minutes shall be taken by the clerk or designated secretary of the board,
committee or commission. Said minutes shall be retained by the clerk or secretary and
shall not be available to the public and shall only be disclosed if required by a civil action
filed under Section 10, 11 or 13 of the Open Meetings Act, being Public Act No. 267 of
1976, Section 15.267 Sec. 7 (2) as amended. These minutes may be destroyed one year
and one day after approval of the minutes of the regular meeting at which the closed
session was approved.
Section 9 - Purpose for Closed Sessions
Meetings in closed sessions of this Board, or any other committee, commission, or other
county boards may only be held for the following purposes (Section 15.268 (8):
A. To consider the dismissal, suspension or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or
charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual
agent when the named person requests a closed hearing. A person requesting a
closed hearing may rescind the request at any time, in which case the matter at
issue shall be considered thereafter only in open sessions.
B. For strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective
bargaining agreement if either negotiating party requests a closed hearing.
C. To consider the purchase or lease of real property up to the time an option to
purchase or lease that real property is obtained.
D. To consult with its attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with
specific pending litigation, but only if an open meeting would have a detrimental
financial effect on the litigating or settlement position of the Board.
E. To review the specific contents of an application for employment or appointment to
a public office if the candidate requests that the application remain confidential. All
interviews by a public body for employment or appointment to a public office shall
be held in an open meeting.
F. To consider material exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal
statute.

Section 10 - Notice of Meetings
All meetings of the Board and its committees, statutory boards and commissions shall be
posted on the County of Muskegon’s website and published and posted in accordance with
these rules.
At its Organizational Meeting, according to the requirements of these rules, the Board shall
establish the dates, times, and places of its regular meetings; and within ten days thereof,
shall post a public notice of such meetings on a bulletin board near the rear entrance of the
Hall of Justice and also on the bulletin board adjacent to the Board’s chambers, as well as
at the office of the County Clerk. The Administrator shall also cause said notice to be
published in the Muskegon Chronicle and with other newspapers of general circulation
throughout the County.
The Board shall also establish the initial meeting dates, time and places of all its
committees, statutory boards and commissions at the Organizational Meeting and cause
a notice thereof to be posted at the places designated above. Within ten (10) days of its
Organizational Meeting, the Board shall also establish the meeting dates, times and places
for all regular meetings of said committees, statutory boards and commissions. A notice
thereof shall be published and posted in the same manner as for meetings of the Board.
Changes in the regular meeting schedule shall not be made except upon the approval of
a majority of the members.
All changes in the schedule of regular meetings of the Board and its committees, statutory
boards and commissions shall be posted within three days after the meeting at which the
change is made and it shall also be published as soon thereafter as practicable. (Open
Meetings Act Sec. 15.264 (3)
A notice of a rescheduled or special meeting of the Board shall be posted at least eighteen
hours before such meeting. (Open Meetings Act Sec. 15.264 (4)
A meeting of the board, its committees, statutory boards and commissions which is
recessed for more than thirty-six hours shall be posted at least eighteen hours before the
time of the recessed meeting. (Open Meetings Act Sec. 15.264 (5)
An emergency session of the Board its committees, statutory boards and commissions
committees may be held at any time in the event of a severe and imminent threat to the
health, safety or welfare of the public, provided that at such meeting two-thirds of the
majority of the commissioners determines that any delay would be detrimental to efforts
to lessen or respond to the threat.

All notices of meetings shall contain the date, time and place of such meetings as well as
the telephone number of the applicable board, committee, statutory board or commission.
Such notices shall be posted in the same places as the notice of its regular meeting is
required to be posted.
Any changes in officially adopted legal notices may be made with the approval of the
Chairperson of the County Board or the County Administrator. The Board of
Commissioners will be advised of any changes and the reason(s) for such changes at the
Board’s next regularly scheduled meeting.
Section 11 - Public Hearings
The Board of Commissioners may, from time to time, hold public hearings as required by
regulation, statute or funding source. The department head seeking a public hearing shall
submit their request to the Administrator for submission to the Full Board for approval. The
request from the department head will include such information as necessary for the Board
to make its decision.
Section 12 - Decorum
No food, carbonated drinks, or cell phone usage shall be permitted during Full Board and
Committee meetings.