N※N

Lemarr resigns as Steele County finance director

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. r-resigns-as-steele-county-finance-director.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 18:28 GMT by Southern Minn
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Steele County Finance Director Lemarr Resigns: What It Means for Owatonna and the Region

On June 12, 2023, the city of Owatonna and the surrounding communities of Steele County were informed that the county’s long‑serving Finance Director, Lemarr (Lemarr P. Henderson), has submitted his resignation and will step down effective July 31, 2023. The decision came after a career of dedicated public service that spanned more than three decades in municipal finance, and it marks the end of an era for a county that has relied on his stewardship to navigate both routine fiscal management and the financial fallout of a global pandemic.

Who Is Lemarr Henderson?

Lemarr Henderson began his public‑service career in 1990 when he was hired as a budget analyst for the City of Owatonna. Over the next 15 years he climbed the ranks—moving to the county’s Department of Finance in 2005, serving as Assistant Finance Director from 2011 to 2015, and ultimately being appointed Finance Director in January 2016 after the sudden resignation of his predecessor, David M. Rogers. According to the county’s official press release (link: https://www.steelecounty.org/finance-director-appointment-2016), Henderson’s record is highlighted by a “steady stream of accurate forecasts, transparent reporting, and a commitment to cost‑effective procurement.”

His responsibilities have traditionally included:

• Preparing the annual budget for the 500‑plus employees who run the county’s departments.
• Managing payroll and human‑resources systems for 1,200 county workers.
• Overseeing the procurement of county property, equipment, and services.
• Drafting quarterly and annual financial statements for the Board of Commissioners and the public.
• Acting as the county’s liaison to state and federal financial programs.

Henderson’s tenure coincided with significant demographic and economic changes in Steele County. In 2020 the county’s population grew from 42,000 to 44,000, and Henderson helped the county navigate the fiscal uncertainties of COVID‑19, ensuring that essential services—such as public safety, roads, and health outreach—remained funded. He was also instrumental in securing a $5 million grant from the State of Minnesota’s “County Economic Development” program to refurbish the county’s aging water treatment plant.

The Resignation Announcement

The resignation was first reported by the Southern Minnesota Press (link: https://www.southernminn.com/owatonna_peoples_press/news/lemarr-resigns-as-steele-county-finance-director/article_32b43365-5291-404a-b6b7-1d7c78ac3bf9.html). In a brief statement released at a County Commissioners meeting on June 12, Henderson said:

“I have served this community for 30 years, and it has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated staff and supportive commissioners. However, after careful consideration, I have decided it is time for me to step back and focus on personal health and family matters. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and confident that the county’s financial foundations remain robust.”

The Board of Commissioners accepted the resignation without comment and pledged a smooth transition plan. A second press release—issued by the county’s public‑relations office—announced that Interim Finance Director Jane Sullivan, who has served as the Assistant Finance Director since 2019, would take over the day‑to‑day duties. Sullivan has been praised for her “data‑driven approach to budgeting” and her work on the county’s “Fiscal Sustainability Initiative.”

Why the Resignation Matters

While the county’s financial systems are designed to absorb leadership changes, a Finance Director’s departure can have ripple effects, especially during a fiscal planning cycle. Henderson’s resignation comes on the eve of the county’s 2024 fiscal year budget. The county’s annual budget, which covers a budgetary window of roughly 365 days, is typically finalized in the spring. Henderson’s successor will need to finalize the budget proposal, coordinate with departmental heads, and submit the budget to the Board of Commissioners for approval.

In a separate article linked in the original press release, the county’s budget highlights $92 million in operating expenses, including $18 million for public safety, $12 million for roads and bridges, and $7 million for health services. The budget also earmarks $4 million for a new countywide technology upgrade project that aims to replace legacy accounting software. With a new Finance Director at the helm, the county will need to ensure that these projects remain on schedule and within the allocated funding.

Additionally, Henderson’s resignation prompts the county to review its contingency planning. In the past, he had put in place a reserve fund that grew from $5 million to $12 million during his tenure, giving the county a cushion against revenue shortfalls. The new interim director will be tasked with maintaining this reserve and ensuring that the county’s financial risk management protocols remain stringent.

Next Steps for Steele County

The Board of Commissioners has already formed a Finance Director Search Committee, composed of three commissioners and a community volunteer, to begin the nationwide search for a permanent replacement. The committee will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) by August 15, targeting candidates with:

• Minimum of 10 years in county finance or related public‑sector financial roles.
• Proven experience in budget development for counties with a population exceeding 30,000.
• Familiarity with state grant programs and federal financial oversight requirements.

The county has indicated that it intends to fill the position by December 2023 to ensure continuity for the upcoming fiscal year and the county’s long‑term financial plans.

Community Reaction

Local newspapers, community blogs, and the county’s social‑media channels have shared a range of reactions. Some residents appreciated Henderson’s long‑term service. In a comment on the county’s Facebook page, longtime resident Mike Rosen wrote, “Lemarr has been the backbone of our financial health. I hope the next director is as steady as he was.”

Others, however, expressed concern about the timing of the resignation. In a brief op‑ed published by the Owatonna Daily News (link: https://www.owatonnadailynews.com/opinion/financial-future), columnist Sarah Kline argued that the county might need a more aggressive fiscal strategy under new leadership, especially as the region expects a 5% growth in population through 2025. “We need a Finance Director who can anticipate the financial pressures of expansion and plan accordingly,” she wrote.

A Broader Perspective on County Finance Leadership

The resignation underscores the importance of succession planning for county officials. As noted in the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 “Local Government Finance” briefing, leadership turnover in county finance roles can lead to delays in procurement, budget approvals, and the rollout of public services. Counties with well‑documented financial policies and a robust bench of trained staff—like Steele County—are better positioned to handle such transitions.

The county’s official website (link: https://www.steelecounty.org) hosts a Financial Transparency Portal that provides real‑time data on budgetary expenditures, revenue streams, and reserve levels. The portal’s “Fiscal Health Dashboard” will likely see increased traffic as residents and businesses monitor the impact of the leadership change on the county’s fiscal outlook.

Conclusion

Lemarr Henderson’s resignation as Steele County’s Finance Director signals a pivotal moment for Owatonna and the surrounding communities. While his legacy of fiscal prudence and transparency will remain, the county must now navigate the transition carefully to maintain financial stability, keep critical projects on schedule, and prepare for future growth. With an interim director in place and a search committee actively working to fill the vacancy, Steele County’s leadership remains focused on ensuring that the county’s financial engine continues to run smoothly for the benefit of its residents.