Village of Clinton board president urges county to reinstate Lenawee Now funding
CLINTON — President of the Village of Clinton Board of Trustees Doris Kemner recently sent Lenawee County administrator Kim Murphy a letter urging the county to reinstate Lenawee Now's third quarter allocation.
The Lenawee County Board of Commissioners abruptly pulled the $37,000 payment to the economic development organization after Murphy announced she was shelving Project Phoenix because the chances were slim to none the state of Michigan would chip in $10 million because Lenawee Now and others were calling for an independent audit of the project's financials.
Shortly after, the city of Tecumseh also pulled its funding for Lenawee Now, with Tecumseh Mayor Jack Baker saying he expected the city council would revisit the issue at a future date.
Kemner said in the letter the village is concerned about the county commission pulling funding right after the project was shelved and, as an independent economic development organization, Lenawee Now should be able to express its views without reprisal, noting the village also has concerns over the financing of the project.
Murphy had said payment would come from the county's marijuana money, which is approximately $800,000 this year. It was less last year, but the money went right into the county's general fund, so it was not designated for anything in particular.
Kemner went on in the letter to say the county needs a strong economic advocate like Lenawee Now to bring jobs and vitality to the community.
In an email response, Murphy said she has not been made aware of any similar letters from other municipalities, but everyone is on the same team.
"I respect each and every one of our municipal leaders and believe ultimately we are all on the same team of wanting to do what is best for our county," Murphy said. "At times, our perspectives and opinions may differ, but in the end, we have the best interest of the residents we represent at heart. I think it is fair to say that we all believe in the need to continue to retain and attract jobs and create additional economic development in our county.
"It is equally fair to say we believe that it is important that our residents have quality of life activities, of all types. In identifying gaps in services and finding better ways to serve those of all ages and demographics in our county."
She went on to say she believes there are opportunities for collaboration.
"I do believe that we will be able to continue to collaborate with our local municipalities, businesses, health organizations, schools, service and civic organizations, as well as our economic development and tourism partners to create additional opportunities for our residents, and a strong sustainable community," she said.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Clinton board president urges county to reinstate Lenawee Now funding
