Lapeer County Commission approves training grants, software renewal, insurance renewals and departmental name change

The Lapeer County Commission approved multiple budgetary and administrative items during its meeting, including reimbursement of training funds for corrections staff, a health department software license renewal, acceptance of grant funds to replace a fingerprint machine, payment for labor-related legal services, renewals of excess workers’ compensation and liability insurance, and a formal change to the veterans committee’s name.

Correction officers training grant reimbursement: The commission authorized the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office to submit a correction officers training grant reimbursement for the first half of the calendar year. The county will continue to process this reimbursement quarterly; the sheriff’s office said the program (through MSA) uses booking fees to fund trainings that the state does not cover.

Health department software renewal: The board approved paying Champ Software Incorporated’s annual Nightingale Notes software license fee in the amount of $33,849. Health department staff said the fee covers the agency’s primary scheduling and electronic medical record functions; staff said the invoice will be paid at no additional cost to the county general fund.

Fingerprint machine grant and replacement: Commissioners approved acceptance of grant funds and purchase of a new Livescan/Live Scan fingerprint machine to replace aging equipment used for juvenile and other fingerprints outside secure lockup. County staff said the old machine (originally purchased circa 2013) requires upgrades and that the new unit will match technology used by the Michigan State Police.

Payment for labor-related legal services: The commission authorized payment to Shiffman Forneer in the amount of $1,245 for labor-related legal services rendered through Dec. 31, 2024; the payment will be charged to line item 101-239-801.020 (as presented).

Workers’ compensation excess insurance renewal: The board authorized renewal of the county’s one-year excess workers’ compensation insurance (calendar year 2025). County staff reported the expiring premium was about $69,000; the renewal premium is approximately $89,000 (roughly a 25% increase). Commissioners asked whether the county had solicited competitive bids; the administrator said the policy had not been shopped and pledged to seek quotes after the renewal while noting the county must give 60 days’ notice to cancel without penalty.

Liability insurance renewal: The commission approved renewal of county liability insurance with MMR & A (a common municipal insurer in Michigan). County staff said the prior premium was about $562,000 and the renewal premium is about $589,000 (an increase of roughly $27,000). Staff said the insurer also provides grant-supported safety programs and training to the county.

Veteran services name change: The commission approved a motion to change the Veterans Affairs Committee’s name to the Veteran Services Committee/Department as reflected in revised bylaws previously approved by the board.

Votes and procedure: Most motions were passed by voice vote with commissioners responding “Aye.” Where dollar amounts or premiums were discussed, staff provided approximate figures; when precise numbers were not available in the meeting, the record notes that staff will supply exact figures on request.

What was not decided: No changes to policy language or additional appropriations beyond the items listed above were made at the meeting. Several administrative vacancies were announced (Community Mental Health Service Board, Veteran Services Committee and library board) and will be posted for applications; no appointments were made at this meeting.