Livingston County commissioners approve agenda and payables; public raises concerns about drain project, motorsports traffic and court processes

The Livingston County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 20 approved an amended agenda that removed one item and voted to approve county claims and payables, while members of the public urged the board to address drain maintenance, traffic and pedestrian safety tied to a motorsports project and raised concerns about local court handling in family cases.

The board, reconvened by Chair Jay Drick, approved a motion to adopt the agenda “with the removal of item 6.1.” The motion was made by Commissioner Fiani and seconded by Commissioner Sample; the board approved the agenda by voice vote, 7-0, with two commissioners absent.

At the start of the meeting and again during a two-minute public-comment period, residents raised several concerns. Steve Williams of Marion Township criticized court delays and the conduct of a local judge, and recited civil and criminal case references tied to an individual he said had tax liens and civil suits. “68% of general fund expenditures to public safety,” Williams said, repeating a budget figure to underline his point about local spending priorities. Williams urged the board to consider the staff time and expense tied to ongoing hearings.

Stephanie Miklos, who identified herself as a City of Powell resident for more than two decades, said a drain project that the county had discussed previously had been removed from the agenda “mysteriously” and warned the board that failing to update drains last done in 1946 could lead to litigation. She also said the motorsports gateway project in Howell has increased heavy truck traffic downtown and said the county should consider funding a bypass road and sidewalk upgrades to improve pedestrian safety. “There’s a lot of hostility towards pedestrians,” Miklos said, describing recent serious bicycle crashes in the county.

Commissioner Dr. Geary addressed the drain issue in the commissioners’ comment period, saying the resolution referred to last week did not affect routine drain maintenance and that legal counsel had reviewed the matter. “The resolution that was talked about last week had nothing to do with drain maintenance,” Geary said, adding that the drain commissioner’s office asked to remove the resolution because it appears an alternate funding source had been identified. Geary said legal had concurred that the board had the constitutional and statutory authority to act on the resolution when it was posted.

On consent business, the board approved claims dated Oct. 14, 2025, and payables covering Sept. 12 through Oct. 2, 2025. Commissioner Gross moved to combine and approve items 7.1 and 7.2; Commissioner Domas seconded. The motion carried by voice vote with seven in favor and two absent.

No formal directions to staff or follow-up deadlines were recorded on the drain matter or the motorsports-related safety requests during the meeting. The drain resolution that had been on a prior agenda was removed at the request of the drain commissioner’s office, according to Geary. Public commenters asked the board to investigate legal and safety implications and to consider using county funds for road and sidewalk improvements linked to increased traffic from the motorsports facility.

The meeting concluded after brief commissioner remarks. There were no votes recorded on the drain issue or on funding for road or sidewalk projects during this session.

Votes at a glance: Approve agenda with removal of item 6.1 — Motion by Commissioner Fiani; second by Commissioner Sample; outcome: approved, voice vote 7-0, two absent. Approve claims dated Oct. 14, 2025, and payables Sept. 12–Oct. 2, 2025 — Motion by Commissioner Gross; second by Commissioner Domas; outcome: approved, voice vote 7-0, two absent.