Rio, Letter To Commissioners
Dear Members of the Board of Commissioners:
I am writing to you to formally place a complaint concerning a pattern of conduct by the County Administrator and Human Resources Manager that constitutes financial misconduct, circumvention of board authority, and a pattern of intimidation.
Pursuant to the Michigan Whistleblowers’ Protection Act (MCL 15.361 et seq.), I am presenting these concerns directly to the Board of Commissioners, as a public body, regarding suspected violations of laws and regulations, as well as the severe misuse of public funds.
I had hoped this email would not be necessary, given the open investigation into Jim Dyer’s fostering of a hostile work environment. However, the lack of corrective action, in addition to the severity of the situation, has left me without a workable path forward, leading me to formally raise my concerns.
In my time here, I have repeatedly found myself the only safeguard ensuring the Finance Department complies with the law, generally accepted accounting standards, and County policy.
Based on what I have witnessed, I do not believe these standards would be upheld by either the County Administrator or the Human Resources Manager were I not here to insist on them.
I have identified several concerning factors, most of which stem from the current reporting structure. Under the present County Administrator and Human Resources Manager, I do not have the tools or authority necessary to carry out my responsibilities effectively.
I therefore respectfully request two changes:
(1) that I report directly to the Board of Commissioners; and
(2) that I transition to a contract-employee arrangement until further notice, as the work currently required extends beyond the scope of my job description.
I have been the Leelanau County Finance Director for 74 days (March 23–June 5). Within 74 days, it has become very clear that under the County Administrator and Human Resources Manager, policies and contracts are not being followed or respected.
The bullet points below summarize my primary concerns. They are not exhaustive, but they reflect what most warrants your immediate attention. Given the severity of the situation, I am glad to continue this conversation beyond this letter, and I can provide a complete, detailed account of each concern at your request.
Inability to facilitate operations of Leelanau County.
Determination of legal positions and withholding of information.
Departures from standard and established procedures.
Lack of transparency to the Board of Commissioners.
Inaccurate statements to the Board of Commissioners.
Operating with a clear lack of control or review.
Repeated disparagement of former Finance Director Cathy Hartesvelt, former Assistant Finance Director Mike Birkmeier, Chief Clerk Jen Zywicki, Clerk Michelle Crocker, and Treasurer John Gallagher.
I am fully committed to serving Leelanau County and its taxpayers, and I respectfully ask the Board to grant the two requests outlined above so that the Finance Department can operate both legally and effectively.
Given the urgency of these matters, I also request that this be added to the agenda for the June Executive Meeting, or that a special meeting be convened to address it without delay.
Respectfully,
Rio Risbridger
Finance Director | Leelanau County
Phone: +1 (231) 256-8106
