The Adrian-Tecumseh Local Development Finance Authority voted to approve a $35,000 annual allocation to fund a full-time economic development specialist, with the position to be shared among local partners and housed in the City of Tecumseh.

The allocation will cover 50% of the specialist’s time for LDFA work (about 20 hours per week) and the remaining time will be supported by the Tecumseh Downtown Development Authority and Tecumseh Events, Activities and Marketing (TEAM). The LDFA motion specifies a three-year commitment from the partnering organizations and was approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Board members said the position is intended to provide consistent administrative support for TIF-plan work, downtown programming and large local events, including transition support for the Apple Lumpkin Festival after the longtime volunteer chair announced retirement. A board member moved for approval, saying, “I’d like to make a motion for the approval of $35,000 in annual funding allocation from the Adrian Tecumseh local development finance authority to support the creation of a full time economic development specialist position jointly funded with Tecumseh downtown development DDA and Tecumseh Events, Activities, and Marketing or Teams for 3 years.” Chair Noe later told staff, “You have the full support of the board, Kelly Jo.”

According to the presentation, the position will be a City of Tecumseh employee under that city’s economic development office, will spend regular time in both municipalities, and LDFA staff aim to post the position within the next two weeks with a goal of interviewing and hiring before the end of the calendar year or by January. The LDFA noted the $35,000 line item has existed in prior budgets and would be the LDFA contribution to the combined funding package.

Next steps identified at the meeting include posting the job, interviewing candidates, and returning updates to the LDFA and partner organizations as hiring progresses.