You could certainly argue that the Grand Traverse County Administrator is the most powerful position in the region, and current Administrator Dave Benda received his year-end report card Tuesday from the seven county commissioners. The verdict? Five commissioners say Benda is meeting or exceeding expectations, while two give Benda a failing grade.

Commissioners utilized a new written matrix this year to evaluate the county administrator on qualities including his relationship with the board, community relations, staff relationships, business and finance, leadership, personal qualities and achievement of goals set by the commission.

Benda scored highest in the areas of business and finance, personal qualities and leadership. Commissioners praised his expertise in budgeting and fiscal management, as well as his professionalism, humor and composure. The Ticker compiled feedback and asked Benda to weigh in:

> Business and finance (Grade: 4 exceeds expectations, 2 meets expectations, 1 does not meet expectations)
"Dave is the top, most experienced administrator in the state.” - Larry Inman
“I think it's going to be a much better year because we have a balanced budget.” - Herb Lemcool
“Has performed adequately in all phases of the finance and budgeting process.” - Charlie Renny
“Dave receives a 'meets expectations' because financial and audit controls are in place.” - Christine Maxbauer

Benda: “One of my strengths is that I've been focused since the day I walked in the door on getting our structural deficit under control. My understanding of county finance goes back to 1984. We're getting closer to a balanced budget...and having some flexibility in our decision-making.”

> Personal Qualities (Grade: 5 exceeds expectations, 2 meets expectations, 0 does not meet expectations) and Leadership (Grade: 3 exceeds expectations, 3 meets expectations, 1 does not meet expectations):
“Looks and performs in a very professional manner, is poised and composed, tactful and engaged.” - Renny
“Has more patience with the board of commissioners than I do.” - Addision “Sonny” Wheelock
“Dave is an extremely personable person...maintains poise and composure...supports staff education.” - Maxbauer
"He is a perfect fit for Grand Traverse County as the county administrator.” - Inman

Benda: “I'm certainly working hard for the county. I'm getting along with elected officials and employees. I think the majority of the board respects my opinion and work, even if they don't always agree with it.”

When it comes to weaknesses and areas for improvement, commissioners honed in on Benda's communications and engagement with board/staff and the community. Maxbauer and Dan Lathrop – who both said Benda “does not meet expectations” in most performance categories – were particularly critical of the administrator. “There's a real shortfall...in lack of communication to the board,” Maxbauer tells The Ticker. “We have repeatedly received documents on our desk at the last minute. It has to be changed. Surprises are not acceptable.” Other commissioners – and Benda – weigh in:

> Board/Staff Relationships (Grade: 2 exceeds expectations, 3 meets expectations, 2 does not meet expectations) and Community Relations (Grade: 2 exceeds expectations, 2 meets expectations, 3 does not meet expectations):
“Dave does not openly accept the input of board members...I think he tells the board what he wants it to know.” - Lathrop
“I think communications could be improved.” -Wheelock. “Could do better with the media.” - Richard Thomas
“There is an employee morale issue...would suggest greater emphasis on collaborative relationships with elected officials and department heads.” - Renny

Benda: “There are a lot of areas for improvement mentioned (in the evaluations). I'll be working on all of them.”

While Benda says he preferred performance review methods used in past years – including interviews with an outside facilitator and/or a closed-door session with the board of commissioners – he notes this year's written reviews don't contain “any surprises” and that it's “still good to have this conversation” on an annual basis. He also says several of his goals for 2015 align with areas commissioners cited for improvement.

“We've got a new board coming in, so one of the most important things is to clarify their vision for the county,” he says. “I want to make sure we're all going in the same direction...and working toward the same end. I also think we have some collaborative opportunities...to be a regional player and play a role not just in Grand Traverse County, but the region as a whole.”