2022 marked as 'The year of change' for Lenawee County, according to county administrator
ADRIAN — On Tuesday, Lenawee County administrator Kim Murphy reported on the state of the county at the Lenawee Intermediate School District Tech Center during the county’s legislative dinner, which brings together leaders from communities across the county.
Murphy said that 2022 was “The Year of Change,” and reported on several items that occurred over the past 11 months.
In January, Dustin Krasny, R-Onsted, joined the board of commissioners representing District 2. The fully restored and renovated Historic Courthouse was also back open and ready to serve as the county seat of county government for years to come.
In February, the county entered into an agreement to have the company Rehmann serve as interim finance director and prepare for annual audit. The county also entered into a three-year agreement with Yeo & Yeo to perform the county’s annual audit. Then county administrator Marty Marshall announced his upcoming retirement. After interviewing three candidates, the county commission appointed Murphy as the new county administrator.
In March, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 applications, rules, and regulations were forwarded to legal and auditing teams for interpretation and guidance following an initial recommendation from the ARPA subcommittee. Also, a computer aided dispatch upgrade in the amount of $130,000 was authorized.
In April, the county and the city of Adrian began working together to combine Dial-A-Ride and Lenawee Transportation into one authority and Shannon Elliott was hired as the deputy county administrator. Murphy took over as county administrator as Marshall retired and the public was invited to an open house at the Old Courthouse to show off the renovations.
In May, Sports Facilities Companies of Florida representatives presented feasibility findings which included a 20-year pro forma for the Phoenix Project under consideration at the Tecumseh Products Site.
In June, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a county holiday and in July the Phoenix Project was shelved.
In August, the county commission received the 2021 audit. No difficulties encountered and no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were found. A total of $2,163,000 was added back to the county’s fund balance.
In September, the county commission allocated the ARPA Funds with a focus on many projects countywide and retaining funds for a number of infrastructure projects. Lenawee County also celebrated its bicentennial.
In October, the 2023 budget at $33,718,871, was presented to the county commission. The budget is balanced without using the fund reserve, includes a 2% wage increase and 8% increase in health insurance premiums with $1 million going to the capital fund. The budget anticipates a 4.75% increase in property taxes.
In November, Jacquelyn Wyse was appointed county prosecutor, the 2023-2027 capital improvement plan approved and the 2023 budget was adopted. Also, Kevon Martis, R-Riga Township (District 7), and James Van Doren, R-Tipton (District 9), were elected to serve as county commissioners beginning in January.
Murphy looked ahead to 2023 saying there will be a focus on employee attraction and retention, improving infrastructure, communication and involvement as well as continuing to improve processes and services by constantly investigating, evaluating, recommending and implementing.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: State of Lenawee County reported on during annual legislative dinner
