Adrian commission appoints Chad Baugh as city administrator

The Adrian City Commission voted unanimously Aug. 18 to appoint Chad Baugh as the city’s next administrator, concluding an extended deliberation over five finalists.

Commissioner Gauss moved to appoint Baugh and Commissioner Casselberry seconded. The roll‑call vote recorded Commissioners Miller, Casselberry, Gauss, Roberts, Schwartz, Behnke and Mayor Heath voting yes; the motion carried. Mayor Heath confirmed the motion as Resolution R25‑052.

Commissioners spent the meeting weighing comparative strengths of top candidates. Several commissioners said one finalist (referred to in the record as “Elle”) brought energy and finance experience, while others cited Baugh’s reported experience overseeing large budgets and his long familiarity with the community. Commissioner Behnke said the commission had received robust community and staff feedback and that the decision was difficult but necessary.

Commissioners flagged a procedural follow‑up: appointing a negotiator to finalize an employment contract with the new administrator. Commissioner Gauss asked whether it was appropriate to make that appointment at the same meeting; the commission did not finalize a contract negotiator before adjournment.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda: adopted by unanimous roll call. - Resolution R25‑051 (consent to surface‑use assignment from Flourish LLC to Napior Leasing LLC): adopted unanimously. - Resolution R25‑052 (appoint Chad Baugh as city administrator): adopted unanimously.

What’s next: Commissioners said staff will prepare the contract paperwork and bring back any necessary motions or assignments to authorize contract negotiation and finalize start dates.