Geauga County Administrator Amy Bevan outlined her approach to strategic planning during the April 8 Geauga County Township Association meeting, addressing a full audience at the EOUV Club in Russell Township.
Geauga County Administrator Amy Bevan outlined her approach to strategic planning during the April 8 Geauga County Township Association meeting, addressing a full audience at the EOUV Club in Russell Township.
About a year into her role, Bevan, a former U.S. Marine Corps captain, said she is drawing on lessons from her military career.
“In my previous career, we got a new leader every three years. Each brought a new plan. It didn’t endure,” she said.
For a plan to succeed, leaders must take organizational culture into account and align it with strategy, Bevan said.
“If we ignore the culture of our organization, our best plan will not survive,” Bevan said. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
Mission statements are also ephemeral unless employees agree on goals and take ownership of outcomes to create a forward momentum, she added.
“That’s the engine that’s going to drive the plan,” Bevan said.
County government must focus on protecting taxpayers, consistently prioritizing people, modernizing operations and partnering externally to serve residents, she said, adding she will work with county commissioners to review last year’s performance and set goals for the coming year.
Deputy County Administrator Mark Jimison, who was hired in October, said he has confidence in county government.
“I was surprised at the high quality of individuals working for the county,” he said.
Strong leadership and core values will help build public trust and confidence, Jimison said.
He is currently reviewing the county’s policy manual and employee merit system to ensure accountability to taxpayers.
“There are a lot of old policies,” he said, adding he is seeking input from staff.
Jimison said he is working with the Geauga County Automatic Data Processing board to improve efficiency, identify funding sources and modernize technology.
“We need to look at the 20-year plan. What will the facilities look like in 25 years?” he said. “That’s the basis for making decisions and using money.”
Improving the county’s website, expanding township access to county services and increasing transparency will help strengthen public trust, Jimison said. He also encouraged officials to be responsive on social media.
“We’re getting a lot of buy-in and momentum,” he said.
Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak presented a strategic outlook for the year, highlighting funding from the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency as a benefit to the county.
Geauga County motorists paid $17.9 million in state gas taxes in 2024, along with $8.6 million in federal motor fuel taxes.
Since 2004, the county has paid $795,029 in dues to NOACA, averaging $34,566 annually.
“Over the same period, NOACA has committed $24,637,262 from its federal formula funds to projects in Geauga County,” according to a handout provided by Dvorak.
“Until a better deal is made, we will stay with what we have,” he said.
Claridon Township Trustee Jonathan Tiber, who served as emcee, said road superintendents from eastern Geauga County townships have formed a group that meets quarterly. He said they are inviting counterparts from western townships to join.
Burton Township Road Superintendent Jason Sutter said the group meets at township garages for breakfast or lunch to network and collaborate when possible.
Sutter also invited village road superintendents to attend the quarterly meetings.
