County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County

Longtime Clare County Administrator Resigns

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HARRISON – After the Clare County Commissioners had completed their April 8 task of interviewing and appointing a person to fill out the term of Stephanie Brown, former District 4 Commissioner, they heard an announcement from Clare County Administrator Tracy Byard that she would be resigning her position.

“Effective at the end of the day, Friday, June 3, I will be resigning my position as County Administrator,” Byard said.

What Byard said she had expected would be a straightforward, simple statement of her intentions turned out to be an emotion-filled announcement. Through tears, and after a moment of gathering herself, Byard explained that the board would need to appoint a county administrator, at some point, but asked that it be placed on the agenda for the upcoming April 20 BOC meeting.

“And, I would also like the board to consider Lori Phelps for that position,” Byard said.

It was questioned whether Phelps could do her current job as Community Development Director/Senior Services, and Byard said there were some things that could be worked out, and encouraged the board to approach Phelps about the position.

“Of course, that’s at the discretion of the board and their decision,” she said.

“It’s a tough decision,” Byard said. “But it’s what’s best for our family.”

BOC Vice Chair Dale Majewski then expressed his sentiments.

“Tracy, we certainly appreciate the years you’ve served Clare County, that’s for sure,” he said.

“And all the help,” added Commissioner Sandra Bristol. “I’m real happy for you.”

Byard said that she and her husband had talked it over quite a bit, “And this is what’s best for us.”

“Oceana County sought me out, and I decided to apply,” she said. “I really am excited about it. They were very open with me. I had two interviews with them and the money’s great – I can’t fault that at all.”

She said Oceana County worked on some things that were of concern to her, and the conclusion was that it was the right thing for her family.

Others in the meeting assured that Oceana County is “really nice territory” and that it includes huge produce farms, lots of beautiful parks – as well as Lake Michigan running the whole length of the county.

All in all, the resignation announcement was received with grace and well-wishing for Byard’s career move, and much appreciation for her service to Clare County.

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