November 8, 2000

At today’s Marion County Board Session, Commissioners Franke and Ryan approved a Resolution to implement an Incentive Bonus Policy.  Because the process was flawed and I was not fully involved in the process of arriving at the terms of this policy, I have abstained from the vote.

On September 27, 2000 at our Board Session, I made the motion to offer the Information Technology Director position to Mr. John Margaronis.  Before making the motion I asked if there was anything outstanding; had all the official background checks been completed.    Based on the information given us, believing I was fully informed at that point, and I moved we offer the job to Mr. Margaronis.

I stand by my support, based on the information at that time, of Mr. Margaronis.  I have  confidence Mr. Margaronis is well qualified to help Marion County move forward with our technology needs. 

That part of the process is complete.  We voted unanimously  to offer Mr. Margaronis the position at a salary range and with the benefits that come with a position of this classification.   I stand by that.

However, this process to come to terms with a “bonus” – this resolution before us today – is a process I cannot stand by.  It is a process that has been badly bungled. 

Communications fell apart, and I believe we have put the cart before the horse.  We find ourselves, the Board of Commissioners, having to act on a resolution that presents terms of a precedent-setting “bonus” that we the Board did not create.  A “bonus” that I did not create, nor did I approve it moving forward as it has.  Staff gave terms of a bonus that we the Board of Commissioners did not approve.  Those terms needed approval by the Board before they were given to Mr. Margaronis.  It was the wrong process.

Now, I do not want to embarrass anyone, I will not point fingers.   Our employees need our full support.  It is we the Board of Commissioners who are held responsible for failed processes.    I have spoken privately with the individuals involved. 

But, what I will say, and what the people of Marion County need to know,  is that when problems, questions and/or concerns arise in Marion County government, there is a collective silence.  This process is yet another example of sloppy business practices. 

When I  said, “Whoa, wait, let’s backup.”  When I said I wanted more discussion on our options, the process moved along without me.  Then when I asked,  “How did we get here?  Who approved this?”  When I asked  for background information, dates, letters, e-mails, minutes to put the pieces together in order to verify how we got here, how to reconstruct  this process – everyone looks at each other. 

Often there are no records, there are no recollections of how, why did we get where we are.  No one can remember who said what or when.  No one wants to talk about it.

When inquires are made about follow up on directives or requests, often people say, “I don’t recall that being asked.”    

When I learn there are, in fact, documents, I am often told, “No there are not.”  Or I’m told, to their knowledge, they aren’t aware of any of  “those” documents.  However, after coaxing, after days, sometimes weeks, documents do seem to magically appear.

Documentation of Marion County business is very limited.  This is unprofessional.  We have a responsibility to the citizens to be open, clear and concise in our actions and our  decisions.

As a result, I have asked that our work sessions be taped.  I have been told that we will discuss this at our Retreat on November 20, 2000. 

The other two commissioners disputed my concerns and information.  I compiled a history of events, and I am happy to review these documents and historical records if any one would like to see them. 

I will not beat a dead horse. 

However, I was not fully involved in arriving at this Resolution.  I did not give my approval to it going forward, therefore,  I could not be involved in the action today.  I  abstained from voting on this Resolution.

To have voted on it, either yes or no, would have been to ignore improper practices, unprofessional, sloppy, inappropriate processes, and not take responsibility.    To acquiesce to the pressures put on me today by Commissioners Franke and Ryan would have been wrong.  This is about principle.

I do believe Marion County owes Mr. Margaronis, and the people of Marion County, an apology. 

I have expressed my support to Mr. Margaronis.  I welcome him to Marion County.  I have made it clear to him that my concerns about this process are not in any way, shape or form related to his employment.  I do not want my position misrepresented on this fact.

We have a retreat on November 20, with our new county administrator.  We will talk about roles, responsibilities, communication, professionalism, processes and policies.  I am hopeful we will improve our conduct of business.