Board approves multiple EMS contracts and authorizes sheriff's BDA purchase and payroll‑deduction equipment program
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Summary
Commissioners approved several ambulance contracts for 2026, debated contract language on staffing and reserve funds, authorized a $57,892 bidirectional antenna for the sheriff’s office, and adopted a payroll‑deduction agreement allowing Sheriff’s Office employees to purchase equipment up to $950 repaid over 27 pay periods.
The Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners approved a series of emergency‑medical services agreements and took several public‑safety actions during the meeting.
A set of ambulance contracts (Resolutions 26‑008 through 26‑011 and similar items) authorizes the chairman to sign service agreements with local EMS providers. Commissioners discussed contract language and raised concerns that the agreements lack minimum staffing requirements, financial incentives for improved response or penalties for underperformance, and how a county reserve fund (from a prior millage) will be accounted for and disbursed. Despite those concerns, the contracts were approved by roll call votes (most passed with 4‑1 margins where noted).
Separately, the board adopted Resolution 26‑007 authorizing a payroll‑deduction purchase program for Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Office employees. The program advances up to $950 per participating employee (to be repaid in 27 equal installments) for the purchase of law‑enforcement equipment from Michigan Police Supply; the resolution passed unanimously, 5‑0.
The board also authorized a bidirectional antenna (BDA) system to improve 800 MHz radio coverage in the county jail. Funding of $57,892 was identified from the public safety communications project and work is planned to be completed by Telerac Communications; the board authorized the intent to purchase and the formal change order will be presented at the next meeting.
County staff said the BDA proposal is partly security‑sensitive and the detailed proposal was not included in the public packet. County officials also noted a mediation date of Feb. 19 for a dispatch‑related dispute and said staff would bring a formal change order for the communications project at the next meeting.
