ADRIAN, Mich. — The Adrian City Commission held a special meeting Aug. 14 to interview finalists for the city administrator position and to collect public feedback. Seven commissioners were present; the commission approved the meeting agenda by roll call before beginning interviews.

The commission heard multiple candidates in a panel format, with each commissioner asking a different set of questions. Candidates who spoke in the meeting described experience managing municipal budgets, strategic planning, multidepartment projects and public outreach. Several candidates emphasized hands‑on leadership, documented asset management and “trust but verify” oversight of staff performance. Chad Ball, introduced as a law enforcement chief and candidate, framed his approach as “first about being present, understanding what the initiatives are, and working with the elected officials to see what the goal...of the outcome that’s expected.” Jeremiah, introduced as a parks and recreation director and candidate, described taking a phased approach to the city’s Bone Pool project, calling it “a huge quality of life, service and amenity that we provide to our citizens.” Will, identified as utilities director and candidate, summarized his transparency stance: “Everything’s an open book.”

Candidates repeatedly addressed similar themes: aligning operations with a strategic plan, setting measurable goals and timelines, balancing capital and operating needs, and communicating proactively with residents. Examples discussed included phased capital work on a municipal pool, a multi‑agency renovation of a police facility, water and sewer capital programs, and dealing with public opposition around devices such as fixed license plate readers. Several candidates described crisis response experience and said they prioritize early public engagement and clear, regular communications.

No final hiring decision was made at the meeting. Amy, the consultant assisting the process, told attendees that the city will gather and consolidate public comment cards and consultant feedback and deliver that material to the commissioners by the next day. Commissioners said they plan to meet for open deliberations on Monday; that meeting may include a motion and vote to authorize negotiations with a candidate, a decision to seek additional candidates or other next steps. A public reception allowing residents to meet the candidates is scheduled 5–7 p.m. at City Chambers the same evening, and candidates are expected to give brief remarks there.

During the public‑comment period, resident Chris Schmidt asked whether the candidate chosen would relocate to Adrian and how involved the administrator would be in community activities beyond City Hall. Commissioners and the consultant said that relocation and community engagement were appropriate evaluation points and that respondents could note these preferences on feedback forms.

Votes at a glance
- Motion to approve the special‑meeting agenda: Mover — Commissioner Behnke; Second — Commissioner Gauss. Roll call: Roberts — yes; Schwartz — yes; Behnke — yes; Miller — yes; Casselberry — yes; Gauss — yes; Mayor Heath — yes. Outcome: carried.
- Motion to adjourn: moved and supported during the meeting; outcome: meeting adjourned by voice vote.

What’s next
Commissioners asked the consultant to compile interview notes and public comment cards and to deliver consolidated feedback the next day. The commission will meet Monday for open deliberations; commissioners said a vote could occur then but could be tabled if the commission is not ready to move to negotiations.

Context
The interviews come at a moment commissioners described as a “pivot point” for the city: candidates referenced local economic and demographic trends and emphasized fiscal discipline, infrastructure planning and resident engagement. Commissioners stressed they want careful review of public feedback before any employment action.

Ending
The commission recessed for a public reception and indicated it will decide next steps after reviewing consolidated feedback. No offer or appointment was announced at the Aug. 14 meeting.