LAWRENCE CO. — During a budget hearing on September 17, a surprising proposal to eliminate the Administrative Director position emerged, catching many Lawrence County council members off guard and prompting requests for clarification. Council members were informed that the cut was necessary for budgetary reasons.
The proposal has raised significant concerns, particularly as the Lawrence County Commissioners—who appointed the Administrative Director—were unaware of the impending cut and were surprised by the council’s decision. Current Administrative Director Travis Sanders was also not informed that his position was in jeopardy.
Despite these appeals, the council took no action to reinstate the Administrative Director position. This morning, in response to the situation, the commissioners, under the statutory authority of Indiana Code section 36-2-2-14, passed an ordinance to appoint a county administrator under their supervision.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how the council will respond next, who will ultimately fill the administrative role, and how the position will be funded moving forward.
