Don Brown to leave Macomb County Board, accepts deputy public works role

Don Brown, chairman of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, told colleagues at the board's Dec. 1 meeting that he will submit an official notice of resignation effective Sunday, Dec. 15, after 36 years of elected service and 34 years on the board. He said he has accepted a position as Deputy Public Works Commissioner offered by Candace Miller.

Brown announced the decision during the meeting's second public participation period and framed it as a continuation of public service. "Serving the public is one team, one mission," he said, reflecting on his career and the relationships built on the board.

The announcement prompted extended tributes. Colleagues described Brown as a steadying leader who helped build cooperative relations between the board and the county executive's office. "Don has always been a person of the people," said Mark Deldin, chief deputy executive who works for County Executive Mark Hackl, calling Brown's leadership style "inclusive" and crediting him with stabilizing relations between the two branches of county government.

Several commissioners said they were surprised by the timing. Commissioner Romano moved informally to "refuse a resignation" and keep Brown on the board; other commissioners said they planned to contact Candace Miller and the executive's office to urge reconsideration. The motion to refuse the resignation did not produce a recorded reversal at the meeting.

Brown used his remarks to recap initiatives he said he championed while in office, including a county solid-waste master plan, the conversion and purchase of a 24-mile rail corridor for trail use, a $25 million bond to repair restricted bridges, a farmland-preservation program and early efforts to monitor drinking-water supplies in coordination with St. Clair County.

Board members responded with personal tributes: some praised Brown's mentorship and knowledge of county operations, others called him a friend. Audience members also offered public tributes, noting decades of campaigning and community work.

The board did not hold a formal vote on a replacement or a final action to accept the resignation during the meeting. Several commissioners said a new chair would be chosen at a future meeting. Brown said he will remain involved in county affairs and will continue to work with the commission in his new role.

The board adjourned after routine business and holiday remarks.