Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Executive Transition Team narrowed it down to two candidates for Ottawa County Administrator but one has withdrawn from the process.
As reported by journalist Sarah Leach on her substack, Sparta city manager Jim Lower and Port Huron city manager James Freed were chosen to advance to a second round of interviews to take place today. Freed sent a letter to commissioners formally withdrawing from consideration.
In the letter Freed said that quote:
“It would be unfair to your organization and your residents to continue in the process to become your next county administrator. Freed cited his family and the bond they with the City of Port Huron.
Find the letter below.
The committee meeting is scheduled to meet 11 a.m.-5 p.m. today. at the county administration building in Fillmore Township. Fox 17 reports that the Ottawa County Chair of the Executive Transition Committee Joe Moss plans on “continuing the hiring process and interviewing Lower.” The interview will be streamed on the County YouTube page.
If the board opts to hire an administrator before the end of the year, state law limits them to offering only a one-year contract — a provision in the state statute that prevents outgoing boards from undermining incoming elected officials. The incoming new commissioners have expressed that the current board should hold off on the approval until January.
The board of commissioners has just two meetings left on the calendar: Nov. 26 and Dec. 10. In 2025, terms for county commissioners in Michigan go from two years to four years. Ottawa Impact is set to lose its controlling majority at the end of this year.
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