Alpena County approves DNR enforcement grants, spending freeze and budget for public display; approves Motorola radio console installation
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Summary
The Alpena County Board approved a $15,000 DNR ORV enforcement grant and a $3,450 snowmobile enforcement grant (with $450 county match), authorized a $68,435 Motorola radio console installation funded from the ambulance fund, enacted a spending freeze through year-end, and approved the FY2026 budget for public display.
Alpena County commissioners on Thursday approved several grants, budget moves and a $68,435 radio console installation for central dispatch, while also adopting a temporary spending freeze and approving the FY2026 budget for public display.
The board unanimously approved a $15,000 off-road-vehicle enforcement grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that requires no county match, and a $3,450 snowmobile enforcement grant that carries a $450 county match. Sheriff’s office staff told commissioners the DNR grants are funded by vehicle registration fees; the board approved both grants by roll call.
Central dispatch manager Kim told the board her office had procured three used Motorola radio consoles and needs a fourth installed to complete a fourth dispatch station. Motorola quoted $68,435 for on-site installation; Kim said a $3,747 secure operations license might be unnecessary pending state confirmation. Kim recommended using the ambulance fund equity previously used to purchase consoles, and asked the treasurer be authorized to make any necessary line-item transfers. “They calculate what they think the costs are going to be,” Kim said, describing Motorola’s pricing practice and the vendor’s limited line-item breakdowns. Commissioners approved the installation and the requested funding language.
County administrators also asked for a temporary spending freeze beginning at the close of business this Friday through the end of the calendar year to limit nonessential purchases such as supplies; exceptions for necessary operations were allowed. The motion passed unanimously.
On the FY2026 budget second reading, staff highlighted several changes made since the first reading, including adjustments for anticipated large cost increases in some areas, restoration of $215,000 to the sheriff’s budget, a pilot program called “Finding Your Way Home” to assist people reconnecting with family and reduce local homelessness pressures, pool/diving block upgrades and airport hangar improvements. The board voted to approve the budget for public display.
Other approved actions included routine items and several internal transfers the board authorized during the meeting. Commissioners said they will continue to monitor the ambulance fund and state licensing requirements related to the dispatch project.
The board took no final action to adopt the budget beyond approving it for public display; additional hearings or final adoption processes remain subject to public notice and subsequent board action.
