When I took office in 2003, I spoke to my staff about the need to find ways to reduce the cost of operating Wayne County's government. As we analyzed our budget, one of the most glaring costs that needed remedying was the annual rent we paid to occupy the Old Wayne County Building, located at 600 Randolph in Detroit. While I cherish this building for its place in our region's history, the cost to rent and the functionality within the building was unfit for the needs that come with operating a modern, 21st century government. Because the entire building is a historic site and we are not the owners, there were even restrictions on putting nails into the walls to accommodate infrastructure renovations and technology improvements. And as we have tried to consolidate County government operations from several buildings, the Old Wayne County Building was simply not built to handle additional employees and newer technology.
As a result, my administration made the decision to purchase the Guardian Building on Griswold St., itself a historic Detroit Landmark. When we first explored the building, we found many of the floors to be unoccupied and gutted, which is why the cost to renovate the building has increased since we purchased it. If we were to truly consolidate our government in one building and make additional space ready for others to rent, these renovations were absolutely necessary. And as several other buildings are slated for demolition in downtown Detroit, we felt that purchasing and occupying the Guardian Building meant preserving our past while making a smart, long-term financial investment for Wayne County taxpayers.
I recognize that our region faces unprecedented economic challenges, and that this type of investment may seem like a lot while many of our citizens struggle to find employment, and while the County itself must reduce its workforce. I could go into great detail about the long-term cost savings that will come about from the purchase of the Guardian Building, yet I know that for critics of the project, a cost-benefit analysis may not be enough to convince them of the wisdom of this investment. Yet, when all is said and done, our investment in the Guardian Building will help save jobs by freeing up financial resources for the County, and it will create jobs as we make the building ready to be occupied. We are also making improvements to the building to save energy, recycle more waste, and we will be enacting policies to encourage employees to reduce energy consumption.
We are scheduled to begin moving into the Guardian Building in mid-December. I want to assure the people of Wayne County that the purchase of the Guardian Building is a smart investment and reflects your government taking ownership in the future of this region. Just as our automotive sector adjusts to new market realities, government must also reform itself to be smarter and leaner in tough economic times. My administration is committed to improving the quality of the services that we deliver to the public, and to do so, we must be able to operate smarter and with more flexibility. Through consolidation in the Guardian Building, we are building greater synergies within county government, allowing our departments to work more effectively with one another and, in turn, deliver better services to the public.
Robert A. Ficano is the Chief Executive Officer for Wayne County.
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