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Adrian commission extends interim city administrator for six months after divided vote
Summary
After hours of debate and public comment about whether to hire local finalist Jeremiah Davies, the Adrian City Commission voted 5-2 on June 29 to extend Acting City Administrator Will Sadler's interim contract for six months. The decision followed concerns about a rushed search, a $500,000 operating shortfall and ongoing water problems.
The Adrian City Commission voted 5-2 on June 29 to extend Acting City Administrator Will Sadler's interim contract for six months, deferring a hiring decision after lengthy commissioner debate and public comment.
Mayor Heath opened the discussion and stressed decorum as commissioners reviewed interviews of four finalists and staff feedback. The motion to extend the interim contract — introduced by Commissioner Chesher and seconded by Commissioner Roberts — passed on a roll-call vote with Commissioners Banky, Tesher, Roberts, Zeke and Mayor Heath voting yes and Commissioners Moore and Schwarz voting no.
Commissioners who opposed delaying argued the city is in crisis and needs a permanent administrator immediately. One commissioner warned that the city's roughly $500,000 operating shortfall left little room for further delay and urged a hire to address budget and service gaps.
Those who supported an extension cited survey feedback from staff and the consulting firm the commission used for the search, saying the process felt rushed and that additional time would help ensure the best long-term fit. Several commissioners said an interim extension would allow the commission to complete a strategic-planning process that could better define the administrator's priorities before a permanent appointment.
Public commenters pressed both sides. Resident Carrie Smith, who had spoken during the pre-meeting public comment period, endorsed local finalist Jeremiah Davies and said, “My money is on the person who has invested in this community long before their job description required it,” arguing local knowledge mattered in a time of crisis. Others at the podium warned that delaying could drive candidates away and increase turnover among city staff.
The vote to extend means Will Sadler will remain in the interim role while the commission continues recruitment and planning. Commissioners also directed staff to keep moving on high-priority operational items, including grant administration and water-related work that residents have repeatedly raised.
The commission adopted the extension at the special meeting and will revisit hiring and process questions in upcoming meetings; commissioners also scheduled a public hearing on a separate grant application and discussed near-term staffing priorities for the utilities and finance teams.
