Born in Michigan and educated at Michigan State, Karl Sparks returned to the state to become the Benzie County Administrator. He gave us a fact-filled presentation on Benzie County and how it is managed. 
 
While Benzie County is often described as a very poor county, Karl says that we compare favorably with the surrounding nine counties in Investment Region 2. As we know, ours is an older community, making County services such as those offered by the Council on Aging and Benzie Home Health Care particularly important.  Programs such as these are supported by millages, the idea being that voters should have the opportunity to decide which programs they wish to fund. Benzie County is more efficient than most Michigan counties, permitting lower taxes.
 
The County must present a new budget every year--always a challenging proposition.  In February the County approved a five-year strategic plan covering IT, regionalization, HR, forecasting and facilities.  This is part of an effort to streamline County government.
 
Following Karl's talk he received a number of questions, as well as kudos for the long-sought elimination of Honor's infamous "Question mark building."