Gratiot County approves joining state recycling grant, authorizes grant signatory (Resolution 26354)
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Summary
After extended questioning about wages, tracking and service contracts, the Gratiot County Board approved Resolution 26354 to participate in a multi‑county, state‑backed recycling grant program and authorized county signatories for grant documents; commissioners emphasized reimbursement rules and vendor selection.
The Gratiot County Board voted to adopt Resolution 26354, authorizing the county to participate in a multi‑county state recycling program and to sign related grant documents. The item prompted a lengthy discussion about program design, budget assumptions and how reimbursements for wages and contractual work would be handled.
Speaker 2, who introduced the measure, described the award as a reimbursable grant that will allow the county to write a regional recycling plan and establish drop‑off options for residents in rural townships. The board was told the initial project budget included an estimated $20,850 for wages (plus $1,500 in fringes) and $65,000 for contractual services to produce the plan. Speaker 2 said the state provides a base award ($60,000) and an extra $10,000 when counties participate in a coalition, with per‑capita adjustments allowing some counties to exceed the $70,000 baseline.
Commissioners asked how wage reimbursements would be processed and who would receive pay. Speaker 6 and others sought clarity on whether county employees or partner organizations would be reimbursed and requested that mileage and hours be documented with receipts and dual recordkeeping so state auditors could verify claims. Speaker 6 emphasized that “you can't just have your word” and urged a two‑person verification process for submissions.
Speaker 1 raised concerns about whether the program could become an unfunded mandate if state priorities change after an election and about the overall magnitude of the requested funds. “If we put one in the county, it's probably not going to get used,” Speaker 1 warned, saying convenience would determine public uptake, and urged careful placement of drop‑off sites.
Speaker 5 said the $65,000 line item is intended to pay for writing the plan and that any contractual services or partnerships (for example with local haulers such as Granger or Waste Management) would be identified during procurement. He also confirmed that reimbursements would flow back to the appropriate county fund once the state processed claims.
After discussion of tracking procedures, coalition mechanics and per‑capita calculations, Speaker 3 moved the resolution and George made the motion; Steve seconded. Because the item carries financial implications, board members conducted a roll call vote; the motion carried with affirmative votes recorded and the resolution adopted.
The board directed staff to proceed with vendor outreach and with the recordkeeping procedures discussed; staff were asked to circulate the RFP and grant documentation language to commissioners once available.
Resolution at a glance: 26354 — Authorize participation in state recycling grant program and authorize county signatory; outcome: adopted (roll call vote).
