ADRIAN, Mich. — Adrian’s Interim City Administrator, Vince Emrick, has officially declined the offer to take on the position permanently, choosing instead to remain in his current temporary capacity while the city conducts its search for a long-term replacement.
Emrick, who also serves as the city’s Chief of Police, was asked by the Adrian City Commission earlier this month to consider stepping into the administrator role full-time. After two weeks of consideration, he announced his decision to decline the offer during an interview on Monday.
“The Commission voted at the last meeting to negotiate a contract with me to consider being the permanent City administrator,” Emrick explained. “That’s something I considered over the last two weeks, had discussions with my family. Came to the difficult decision to decline at this time. So, with that being the case I will still be subbing in while they do their search until they find a permanent administrator. And when they do then I will return to chief of police.”
Emrick will continue managing day-to-day city operations while the Commission and administrative staff begin the formal hiring process. That search is expected to take at least two to three months, according to city officials.
His decision to step back from the permanent role comes despite praise from the Commission and community members for his performance and leadership since taking over as interim.
Emrick says he remains committed to supporting the city and ensuring a smooth transition once a permanent administrator is hired.