EDITOR:

This is the response that I have given to prosecuting attorney Lauren Wickman on behalf of the board of commissioners. I was extremely surprised at Tuesday’s meeting when she made the comment that she did. It is important for the public to know that the county board of commissioners committed no error, nor have we placed the county in any situation that would be considered litigious or awkward. It is also important to know that the county board unanimously approved substantial pay raises for her staff that night. As a board, we remain committed to making Delta County a great place to live, but an excellent place to work.

October 14th, 2023

Dear Prosecutor Wickman,

You have indicated that you think the Board of Commissioners may have acted improperly in hiring counsel other than your office for representation in civil matters. You have provided no authority for this position. However, as a courtesy to your office, and in an effort to explain Board actions to county residents, the Board is providing you with this letter explaining its actions.

The Board of Commissioners has utilized the services of your office for legal advice and representation in certain civil matters. For some time, the Board has used outside counsel for matters covered by the County’s insurance carrier. We note that you have never objected to this representation. The Board has determined that the representation your office has provided is inadequate to meet the needs of the County and its residents in certain civil matters. Specifically, the Board has determined that your office is unable to represent the County in certain civil matters. Therefore, the Board has determined that it is in the best interest of the County and its residents to retain other counsel for representation when needed in civil matters. This decision is supported by the explicit terms of MCL 49.71.

The Board requests that you stop making misrepresentations about the actions of the Board in hiring counsel to handle matters where the Board has determined that your office’s services would be inadequate.

Regards

David Moyle

Chair