Bob's Update - January 25, 2010

UPDATE ON THE SEARCH FOR THE NEW COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR: Last week the Board interviewed Deputy Administrator Verna McDaniel for the position of County Administrator. Verna, who has been with the County for nearly 29 years, has demonstrated her commitment to this organization and to making a positive impact in this community. This commitment was evident as she explained to the Board why she wanted to be the next County Administrator and told them what she planned to accomplish in the first 100 days, first year and the next five years.   Verna’s presentation is available online – if you haven’t seen it, I encourage you to take a few minutes and watch it.

UPDATE ON THE JAIL EXPANSION AND NEW 14A-1 DISTRICT COURT: If you have driven by the Hogback Service Center lately you will see that the Jail Expansion and new 14A-1 District Court are taking shape.  Last week I had an opportunity to tour the construction site with Sheriff Clayton and I was amazed at the amount of work accomplished since my last tour 6 weeks ago.  After years of political debates, a failed millage, and numerous inmates released early by court mandate due to severe overcrowding, the jail expansion is nearly complete. The expansion will add 112 beds and upgrade the jail infrastructure and supports systems – an expansion and upgrades that are long overdue. Over the next few months Verna and I will be working closely with the Sheriff on the staffing needs, one of many major initiatives for 2010.

The construction project also includes a new home for the 14A-1 District Court, adjacent to the jail, where Huron Valley Ambulance had been located. The current court facility, a retrofitted monastery built in the 1950s, has raised concerns about security in recent years.   The new court will offer many more options for maintaining public security, especially in the transport of prisoners for arraignments and trials.  Both of these construction projects are due for completion this spring. I hope you have a great week.

Bob