A total average score of 4.8 out of a possible 5 in his annual evaluation gives Barry County Administrator Michael Brown the same kind of validation he has earned from every Barry County Commission he has worked with.

Brown got 54 top of the chart 5’s. The remaining scores were either 4 or 4.5, with the exception of one 3. Two commissioners gave Brown 5’s across all twelve categories in the evaluation.

In both financial management and interaction, he was given a 5 by all the commissioners.

Comments from commissioners in the evaluation include praise for his leadership, providing consistent, informed and accurate judgements, always providing help and answers and as an outstanding ambassador for Barry County statewide.

His leadership in finances, reducing county liabilities by millions and saving for the future was noted, along with his ability to stay calm and not be coerced to speak in the heat of the moment and treating others with dignity and respect.

“Michael is someone that raises the bar, and someone we just like working with,” Commissioner Ben Geiger said.

“Thank you. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to do the work I do… and in the confidence you have in me,” Brown said. “Most importantly, I’m certain you all realize there is quite a depth behind me,” he said. “I try to advocate for you and I hope the commissioners are all comfortable, if you have a question, reaching out to department heads…when I don’t have the answer, I’m reaching out to those individuals…of course, Luella in my office… so, I thank them for all they do, and acknowledge that, that wisdom doesn’t just come from me…thank you.”

The 12 areas rated were leadership, financial management, motivation, professional development, communication, delegation, planning, prioritizing, employee relations, initiative, interaction and coordination with other units.