Commissioners approve $6,000 donation spending and fund a detective-sergeant position amid staffing concerns
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Summary
Board accepted a nearly $6,000 private donation for sheriff’s office community engagement programs, approved a budget coding correction for offender expenses, and voted to fund a detective-sergeant position after extended discussion about staffing, union implications and long‑term funding risks.
Alpena County commissioners on Feb. 10 approved several budget adjustments related to the sheriff’s office and voted to fund a detective-sergeant position after a lengthy discussion about staffing levels and funding stability.
County staff told the board a private citizen donated nearly $6,000 to the sheriff’s office and requested the board move that amount into an expenditure line so the sheriff can use it for community engagement, including sponsorship of youth baseball teams. The board approved the transfer on a roll-call vote.
Separately, staff said the treasurer had identified a miscoded offender expense and created a new line item that requires a $1,000 budget adjustment to match corresponding revenue. Commissioners approved that correction.
The meeting’s most extended exchange concerned a proposed detective-sergeant position. The sheriff said the office is currently authorized for 13 deputies, with the general fund covering 10.5 positions, and described ongoing understaffing pressure. Commissioners asked whether the detective-sergeant would be funded only while an outside contract (with Alcona) exists and what would happen if that contract ended. The sheriff said that future funding decisions would be the board’s responsibility and acknowledged that union negotiations would be necessary to formalize a detective-sergeant classification.
Public commenters and several commissioners urged support for the sheriff’s staffing needs. After debate about long-term budget risks — including the possibility of reduced state revenue sharing — the board voted to approve funding for the deputy/detective-sergeant position while noting the need to monitor future contract changes.
The board also discussed insurance recovery for a dog ordered euthanized by the court and an outstanding claim related to a cut fiber line; staff said the contractor denied liability and the county is pursuing Merit and township billing options.
