Commissioners ask staff for AI briefing and policy discussion amid rapid change

During the strategic-plan presentation several commissioners raised concerns about artificial intelligence and asked staff to present expertise and guidance on how the county is using the technology.

"I feel like we need some expertise because so many things have happened and, you know, some of the challenges," a commissioner said, urging an internal and possibly external review of AI risks and uses. County staff answered that internal teams have done training for court staff and that Information Technology (ITD) is working on a draft AI policy; staff offered to bring an overview of where AI currently adds value and where it creates risk.

Commissioners emphasized protection of county information and a need for public-facing communication about AI policy. Staff noted the speed of technological change and the iterative nature of drafting a policy, and agreed to return with an internal overview and, if resources allow, a wider briefing on the county's approach and risk mitigation.