Votes at a glance: Montcalm County Board of Commissioners actions, Aug. 11, 2025

At its regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 11, the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners voted on a series of routine and budget-related items. The board conducted unanimous voice votes on multiple motions; six commissioners were present at roll call (Alexander, Johnston, Peterson, Mahar, Carr and Emery).

Key actions and outcomes

- Older Americans Act contract amendment and HIPAA business agreement: The board authorized signatures on the fiscal-year 2026 Older Americans Act contract amendment, the HIPAA business associate agreement and signature authorization forms for the Commission on Aging. The county's Commission on Aging director, Pam Bock, told the board the agency obtained "$35,000 and some change" in additional funding this year. Motion carried on voice vote.

- Resolution exempting county from Public Act 152 (fiscal-year 2026): The board approved Resolution 2025-07 to exempt the county from the state's Public Act 152 hard cap on health-benefit contributions for the 2026 plan year. Controller Brenda advised that next year premiums are expected to exceed the statutory hard cap and that opting out would allow the county to preserve current employee payroll-deduction arrangements. Motion carried on voice vote.

- Audit services contract authorization: Following a request for proposals, the board authorized the county controller to request a formal contract from Gaberidge and Company for auditing services not to exceed $157,260 for fiscal years 2025, 2026 and 2027. The controller confirmed that figure covers the three-year contract total. Motion carried on voice vote.

- Warrant reports: The board approved three warrant reports totaling $809,954.95 (warrant report 07312025 for $138,689.06; warrant report 08072025 for $111,280.21; and warrant report 08112025 for $559,985.68). Motion carried on voice vote.

- Tax-rate request (Form L-4029) for 2025: The board accepted the county's 2025 tax-rate request (L-4029) and authorized signatures. Commissioners noted minor differences between requested levies and allowable amounts for a few taxing authorities. Motion carried on voice vote.

- Acceptance of Commissioner Painter's resignation and vacancy process: The board accepted Commissioner Painter's resignation effective July 31, 2025, and discussed options to fill the District 4 vacancy. County law staff cited Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 46.412 and 46.413 about the 30-day appointment window and special-election procedures. The board set a process to interview six applicants on Aug. 25, beginning with candidate presentations in the afternoon followed by a board meeting and potential appointment that evening. Motion to accept the resignation carried on voice vote.

- FY2026 budget: The controller presented an updated FY2026 proposed budget with minor adjustments. The board voted to accept the recommended FY2026 budget in principle and set a public hearing and final vote for the Aug. 25 meeting. Motion carried on voice vote.

Other routine actions included placing consent-agenda items 6 through 8 and minutes from two budget work sessions on file. The board also acknowledged correspondence and committee reports.

Record of participation and voting

Roll call at the start of the meeting showed six commissioners present: Alexander, Johnston, Peterson, Mahar, Carr and Emery. Where votes were taken by voice and no individual roll-call vote was recorded, the board proceeded by unanimous voice vote; no dissenting votes were recorded in the meeting transcript.

Items requiring follow-up

- Controller to finalize contract paperwork with Gaberidge and Company if contract terms are acceptable. - County staff to process signatures on the Commission on Aging OAA contract amendment and HIPAA agreement. - Controller to post the FY2026 budget and prepare materials for the Aug. 25 public hearing. - Board to conduct candidate interviews and consider appointment to fill the District 4 vacancy at the Aug. 25 meeting.