Nearly 50 children of Livingston County employees explored public services, voted in mock elections and met a sheriff's K-9 during the county's third annual Bring Your Child to Work Day.
The children began in the Board of Supervisors Assembly Room, where County Administrator Shannon Hillier explained county history and operations. Economic Development and Workforce Development staff then presented fictional proposals for a county pool and bike trail so participants could represent their towns and vote on the resolutions.
The mock supervisors also unanimously approved a playful local law requiring every child in Livingston County to eat candy each morning.
Livingston County Sheriff's Office deputies demonstrated the department's K-9 and drone capabilities. K-9 Kai, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois, performed training exercises and tricks before deputies flew a small drone and explained how the agency uses unmanned aircraft for public safety.
Children toured the county Government Center, using QR codes outside departments to learn about their work. Board of Elections staff also organized a mock election using real ballots and a voting machine; Skittles, blue and the Buffalo Bills won votes for favorite candy, color and football team.
The group later visited the county's Murray Hill Campus in Mount Morris to tour the Department of Social Services Code Blue warming center, which shelters unhoused adults during severe winter weather. Central Services staff explained how the county maintains its grounds and facilities, and County Historian Holly Watson discussed the history of Al Lorenz Park.
Employees said the day helped their children understand how county departments serve residents and work together across the community.
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