Lapeer County approves IT rate hikes, building contracts and several appointments; closed session set on union talks
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Summary
The Lapeer County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved multiple motions including IT fee increases, building remodel contracts, an email-read controversy and several board appointments; commissioners voted in a roll call to enter closed session on collective bargaining.
The Lapeer County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a package of operational motions at its December meeting, authorizing technology upgrades, building contracts and multiple board appointments while scheduling a closed session on union negotiations.
The board approved central dispatch purchases from Dell not to exceed $20,000 to be paid from the county 911 fund. Commissioners also authorized an IT rate increase, raising monthly county-provided Internet service from $120 to $180 and rack space fees from $450 to $550 beginning Jan. 1, 2026, a change planners said reflects actual cost of service to roughly eight local entities that use the county’s network.
On facilities, the board authorized a $494,000 construction contract with Castle Brothers for remodeling at 1505 Suncast Drive for Community Mental Health (CMH) services; the properties chair said the measure will help county services after lengthy delays. The board also approved a $32,397.13 contract with Northern Oak Wood Floors LLC to restore flooring at the historic courthouse, noting $30,000 had been pledged by the Friends of the Historic Courthouse Committee and the balance covered by a community-foundation scholarship line; the motion stated no additional county general-fund contribution is required.
County staff were authorized to sign documents for a DHHS remodel within scope and the Properties Committee chair or county administrator were empowered to approve out-of-scope work up to $100,000 to avoid project delays. The board approved a one-year Sophos Central email-protection subscription at $6,671.89 from the specified IT line item.
The commission also moved forward on Community Mental Health facility planning: members authorized issuance of an RFP for a new CMH building and approved engagement letters with Dickinson Wright for legal counsel and MFCI LLC for financial advisory services related to a planned CMH bond project.
Several appointments were confirmed by unanimous ballot: Walter Bargain to the Lapeer County 9-1-1 Central Authority (three-year term through Aug. 31, 2028), Linda Lewis Merrick to a partial term on the Community Mental Health board, multiple Emergency Management Advisory Council appointments and Bob Beatty to a Valley Area on Aging senior representative vacancy through Dec. 31, 2027.
Routine business included approval of November minutes (amended to reflect a motion by Commissioner Wise), county and road commission audit motions, and authorization to reimburse Commissioner Kevin Nisley for mileage covering April–November 2025 from the designated expense line.
Before adjourning to closed session, the board voted by roll call to enter closed session to discuss collective bargaining strategy. The clerk recorded affirmative roll-call votes from Commissioners Kemp, Nisley, McMahon, Wise, Zender, Hagedon and Chairman Howell.
The board conducted most votes by voice with commissioners saying "aye"; when the statute required a roll-call for the closed session authorization, each commissioner’s vote was recorded.