Minutes 09-10-2024 - Work Session

Browse Search

25 about what's happening in the county. She said that she felt the scorecard needed updating to make sure that agencies are supporting key county priorities. She hoped that connecting funding to the strategic plan will help the county get closer to funding those priorities. She suggested that if an agency does not align with a strategic plan goal or priority, that they not be considered for funding. Caitlin Fenhagen said the scorecard will be updated to reflect the strategic plan. Chair Bedford said the current formula does not capture key priority areas for county funding. She said that not enough points are given for equity. She said two other areas of concern are timing and geography. She said that new agencies or agencies that didn't score as highly should continue to provide quarterly reports. She said that agencies with a good track record could probably submit reports less frequently. She expressed concerns about funding educational agencies when the county already provides funding to the school districts. Commissioner Hamilton said they want to make sure agencies are treated fairly. She said that on the scorecard, the points assigned seem arbitrary. She said that the county must reflect on whether the scorecard is working the way it's designed. She said that will be the only way to know if their performance matches the given score. She said they don't have the strategic plan performance measures yet, so she expressed concern about using those to score applicants. She said that they should find a system that doesn't require a lot of staff time to make sure resources are being used wisely. Vice-Chair Greene clarified that the performance measures listed by the applicant in their application would be reviewed to ensure that they align with the strategic plan. She said they aren't county performance measures. Caitlin Fenhagen said that was correct. Caitlin Fenhagen said that Chapel Hill and Carrboro offer an agency review twice a year. She said that would really help departments. She said for contracts that are now housed in departments, they should apply the same principles when reviewing those contracts. She said they want those performance measures to also be aligned with county priorities. She said it will be important to discuss these changes with department heads. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what type of review is happening quarterly. Caitlin Fenhagen said they submit progress reports with their outcomes that quarter, and then are paid out for that quarter after a review of the report. Commissioner Portie-Ascott clarified that they must meet benchmarks to receive funding. Caitlin Fenhagen said they are the benchmarks that were listed in their funding agreement. Commissioner Richards asked if it would be helpful to identify priorities for funding. Chair Bedford said that the Board has never discussed priorities or a hierarchy. Commissioner Hamilton asked if it is an issue that there are some agencies that don't fit into the priorities. Chair Bedford said that all non-profits could be slotted into a county goal. Commissioner Hamilton said that on the scorecard points could be assigned based on where the agency falls in the strategic plan. Chair Bedford suggested that they had enough change at this time, but they should bring back ideas in the spring. Commissioner Hamilton said they could compare the data that they receive over the year and determine how the process meets their priorities. Commissioner Fowler said that the Board has set goals, but priorities may change depending on what the county is already doing or has accomplished. She said it makes sense to her to have the County Manager change and prioritize based on what the county is already doing. Travis Myren said that while an agency might fit into a strategic objective, their activities might not be as directly related as other agencies.