(Spirit Lake)– The Dickinson County Board Supervisors this (Tues.) morning voted three-to-two to authorize the county’s continued participation in a so-called “Best Work Place” survey that’s sparked some controversy.
The survey stems from the nomination of the county in a “best work place” contest by an employee in the Treasurer’s Office.
The survey was discussed at last week’s meeting where a couple of supervisors expressed concern over the possibility of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.
Supervisor Mardi Allen, who wasn’t present for last week’s discussion, told fellow supervisors today (Tues.) that she had knowledge ahead of time of what was going on with the survey and apologized for not informing the other board members. But likewise, she says she’s grateful the employee nominated the county for the prestigious honor.
Assistant County Attorney Lonnie Saunders says an investigation he conducted into the company that’s conducting the survey turned up no concerns, adding that it appears the survey is serving a legitimate purpose.
Allen added the company will make available free of charge a small amount of the survey results, with the rest available for purchase.
Supervisor Chairman David Gottsche said he was still skeptical, though…especially in light the company is selling most of the information it gathers. He added he feels the survey was intended more for the private sector.
Allen then made a motion for the county to continue its participation in the survey. Allen, Pam Jordan and Bill Leupold voted in favor while Gottsche and Paul Johnson voted no.
