Last year, citizens in our community rated the creation of jobs and economic development as one of the biggest issues facing Lenawee County today. This is where they would like to see County government invest their resources to improve our community.
While the Lenawee County government doesn’t have direct control over jobs and economic development, they are the biggest public sector contributor to Lenawee Now, our economic development organization dedicated to economic and business expansion in Lenawee County. And that funding is tied to several matching grants that account for approximately one-third of Lenawee Now’s funding.
They are also investing in justice for area businesses through the creation of the Economic Crimes Unit. The program is free to businesses in Lenawee County to recover economic losses through fraudulent checks or theft. Since its inception, it has recovered over $250,000 for Lenawee County business owners. This program makes Lenawee County one of the most business-friendly counties in the state, and helps attract new businesses (and the resulting jobs) to our communities.
They are investing in recycling, conservation, and our parks which enhance the quality of life in our county. Quality of life services are rated highly by site selectors and business owners looking to relocate or expand businesses in new areas.
They are investing in our future workforce creating leaders through leadership training in our 4-H program. Our 4-H program in Lenawee County is the only program in the state to have a Teen Leadership Program which gives students the opportunity to hold board positions, lead meetings, develop and execute budgets, and be accountable for their decisions.
These programs and services are non-mandated functions of county government, and the funding for these programs is in jeopardy. You control the future with your vote on November 7, 2017. On your ballot, you will see a proposal to renew the separate tax limitation. Renewal of the tax limitation will retain services like economic development, parks, recycling, the economic crimes unit, and leadership development to support our communities and enhance our quality of life. These programs attract employers, investors and new families to our county.
For more information on the ballot proposal, or any of the Lenawee County programs and services, visit them online at www.lenawee.mi.us/investing or call 1-888-448-1387.