DETROIT — Despite the FBI’s  investigation into Wayne County that was launched in 2011, and intensified last year, County Executive Robert Ficano called 2012 a year of change and progress during his State of the County Address Monday at the Guardian Building here. 

A controversial $200,000 severance payment triggered the county scandal that led to the federal probe, and resignations of some of the county’s top officials. 

“2012 was a year of change, and a year of progress. We continue to face major challenges in Wayne County…But those who only focus on our problems tend to overlook the tremendous progress we’ve made,” Ficano said. 

This was Ficano’s 11th State of the County address. He was introduced by his deputy county executive Jeffrey Collins who was appointed in 2011 after his predecessor resigned amid the scandal. “I know that he is here everyday, all day trying to move the county forward. In the midst of great challenges our CEO has not blinked. He has remained steady and focused. His fighting spirit reflects the toughness, grit and resiliency of the state’s largest county.  I’m proud to be part of the talented team that Bob has put together,” Collins said. 

In his State of the County Address last year Ficano apologized to residents, and put much of the blame for un-ethical practices in the county on former aides. In his apology he promised to be more responsible, transparent, accountable and effective. He says since then he’s done everything to keep that promise. 

He cited one of the most personally painful challenges for him last year as the actions taken by some members of his team that were not in the best interests of the community.  

Ficano.

Ficano says he’s rebuilt his administration with an executive team that is 100 percent committed to good government. It includes his deputy county executive, director of economic development growth engine, corporation counsel, COO, and Directors of: communications, information technology, Homeland Security,  and Emergency Managment,  Personnel and human resources and public service and environment. 

“Every one of them is 100 percent focused on ensuring Wayne County government operates with the highest ethical standards.  Our team has changed, and I’m sure they would tell you that I have too. I’ve been more engaged, focused and more involved in details. I assure you lessons have been learned by all. As I told you last year, I’m not a quitter, I’m a fighter,” Ficano said. 

Ficano discussed regional cooperation, saying it’s what made projects that have been in the works for so long become reality such as the Cobo Hall renovation and expansion, the Aerotropolis, and the Regional Transit Authority. Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, and Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson were all present during Ficano’s address. 

Ficano cited recovering from the disastrous consequences of the 2008 recession as another challenge in 2012.  

He said since 2008, property tax revenue in Wayne County has declined by nearly 30%, and the county has $100 million less in revenue annually for its general fund than it had five years ago, which drastically impacts operating expenses. In some areas property taxes are beginning to increase while in others they’re starting to fall. The county projects that overall values will begin stabilizing this year and next, but currently assessed values are at a 12 year low. Ficano said it will take until 2025 to climb back to 2008 revenue levels. 

Other local governments in Michigan continue to struggle with the same problem. 

In 2012 the Michigan State Housing Development Authority listed 180 cities, villages and townships as Eligible, Distressed Areas. The long-term solution will require significant changes in the municipal financing structure of the state. 

Ficano says the county hasn’t been waiting around for long term solutions, and has made dramatic changes to get its finances in order, and balance its budget. 

It has reduced its workforce by 35% or more than 2000 positions, implemented salary reductions and furlough days, and introduced healthcare cost sharing and retirement incentives. 

Ficano says since 2008 he’s cut the number of his own at will employees by 30%. “All of these things helped us reduce the general fund purpose accumulated deficit by 26% from 2010 to the end of the last fiscal year,” Ficano said.  

He says those who thought the challenges of last year would distract or discourage the county were mistaken. “We’ve never lost sight of our mission of serving the citizens of Wayne County, and helping to ensure and enhance their safety, health and well-being,” he said. 

The county’s Department of Homeland Security continued its work with the Urban Area Security Program last year, by  providing first responders with equipment and technology.

The Department is also working with the Regional Educational Service Agency to hold safety seminars with teachers throughout the county. The Correct Course Juvenile Diversion Program, is steering at risk juveniles in the right direction. Recent data shows that nearly 90 percent of the 2,800 youth that completed the program have not had a repeat offense. 

Last year the county finished $10.2 million in projects, from Detroit to Northville Township and everywhere in between. 

“We continued our intense focus on economic development in 2012, and I’m pleased to report we had great success.  

I can describe how we measure that success in three words: jobs, jobs, jobs,” Ficano said.  

According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, since 2009, 38% of all investment in the entire state of Michigan happened in Wayne County, along with 41% of all new jobs created. 

Ficano says in the first six months of 2012, Wayne County saw jobs grow by more than 18,000. When the year end numbers come in, the county expects to see that number grow to about 30,000. 

He said Watson Engineering, a component manufacturer, is investing $8.1 million in Taylor to support expansion into a facility on vacant property. The project will lead to the creation of 80 new jobs. Ficano says the $299 million expansion and renovation of Cobo Hall is much needed, and will be completed by 2014, and says he took the lead in pursuing the project in Lansing.