Transparency in Government Initiative Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners Working Session October 7, 2010

“We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in government.” -President Obama January 21, 2009

Initiative Overview Commissioner Driven Part of National Movement Other Municipalities: – City of Grand Rapids – City of Ann Arbor – Multiple School Districts WC Initiative will Contain Multiple Phases Build on Existing Work

Phases Check Register Report – October 2010 Salaries Credit Card Reports P Card Reports

Washtenaw County Initiative Improve County Government Through Transparency Provide Context Educate Ourselves First Welcome Feedback Learn From Others

Available to the public on October 8

Check Register Report Expenditures Reported through JDE All Departments Represented Departments Reviewing Content Since May 2010 Publishing Online August 2010 – Present 2011 Will be Rolling YTD Available in Excel (csv) and Acrobat (pdf) formats

Check Register Excludes… WHEREAS, the presumption of openness does not preclude the legitimate protection of information whose release is exempted by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, or in any other way protected by any applicable state or federal law, would threaten security, invade personal privacy, breach confidentiality, or in any way damage other genuinely compelling interests.

Next Steps Launch on eWashtenaw October 8 Salaries Pcard Expenditures Credit Card Expenditures