Shannon Elliott

The 2025 State of the County address for Lenway County details the progress and future strategic direction of the county. Key areas covered include proactive financial management and long-term stability, with a focus on capital improvement planning and maintaining a high credit rating. The report highlights infrastructure and technology upgrades, such as LED lighting, emergency operations center reconfigurations, health department renovations, jail improvements, and the development of the Mory Spear Campus and Gerber Park. It also emphasizes strengthened community connections through programs like accessible transportation, veteran support, recycling initiatives, and resident home improvement grants, alongside efforts to combat substance use disorders. Future strategic planning will focus on enhanced district outreach, inter-municipal collaboration, and comprehensive long-term goal setting for the next 5 to 20 years, commencing in 2026.

The budget presentation to the Board of Commissioners focused on proactive financial planning, financial stability, and responsible spending. Key topics included the 2024 budget and audit results, the 2025 budget with a capital fund and contingency allocation, and the proposed 2026 budget with a capital fund and allocation for a new judicial building division. Revenue projections for 2026 show an overall increase, including property tax, state revenue sharing, and marijuana tax revenue. Expenses were also discussed, with a focus on personnel and non-personnel costs across various divisions. Debt service for the Sheriff's Office and Old Court House bonds was reviewed, along with strategic budgeting considerations for the county's future.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various topics. These included financial reports, emergency manager's activities, E-911 updates, health sub-committee updates, and drone sub-committee activities. The committee addressed old business, including the receipt and delivery of 800 MHz radio batteries and the formation of the Lenawee School Safety Committee. New business included grant requests for RAVE Alerts renewal, a drone tablet purchase, and a CDR Accident Investigation system. Updates were provided on a diesel fuel spill, a retiring member, and the County's Hazard Mitigation Plan. The committee also addressed the expiration of LEPC positions, officer elections, and the 2020 meeting schedule.

The meeting included a financial report review, an emergency manager's report, E-911 updates, and a health subcommittee report. Old business included updates on the SARA Title III 302 site plan, Sheriff's Department rebuild, dispatch relocation, EOC, and Rave Alerts. New business involved a grant proposal for a new generator for the Mobile Command Vehicle and a proposal to purchase a Portable Data Network. A presentation on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) was given, and a discussion was tabled to form a sub-committee. The July 20th meeting was canceled due to schedule conflicts.

The meeting included updates on various topics such as the Riverview Terrace incident, E-911, and the Drone Sub-committee. Chief Massingill was approved as Chief Damon's alternate on the LEPC. The committee reviewed the application of Travis Howell to be the Private Security Representative on the LEPC and approved recommending his appointment. The Emergency Management Training and Exercise Plan for 2023-2025 and the site plan for L&W Engineering were submitted for the committee's information and review. Upcoming conferences, including the EPA No Spills Conference and the MI Interop Conference, were announced.