Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County discusses budget priorities, airport aid and capital outlay ahead of Sept. 30 adoption
Summary
Administrators previewed the '25 budget, highlighted capital priorities (ADA sidewalk, HVAC controls, drones, jail and courthouse needs) and debated a $20,000 airport appropriation; commissioners split on whether the airport appropriation is a small investment in economic development or an unnecessary subsidy.
County administrators presented a draft budget update and capital-outlay priorities to the Clare County Board on Sept. 18 as the board prepares for a public hearing and adoption scheduled for Sept. 30.
Staff highlighted priority capital projects marked in the budget packet: replacing HVAC controls and completing an ADA sidewalk to maintain annual ADA review compliance; taser and jail equipment replacements; funding two search-and-rescue drones (staff said training may be included in procurement but would verify); and moving an inoperable fire-suppression panel out of an inaccessible basement location to an accessible position. Administrators also flagged potential use of commissary funds for a proposed $50,000 shower epoxy project and suggested setting aside a share of any projected fiscal-year surplus for capital projects.
Commissioners asked about specific line items, including increases in circuit court costs, employee reclassifications, and a projected property-tax uptick that staff described as conservatively estimated but expected to rise. The board also discussed a proposed $20,000 appropriation to the county airport: one commissioner argued that the airport is used infrequently and criticized subsidizing it, while others called the appropriation modest, said it positions the airport for matching grants and rehabilitation projects, and described the facility as an economic driver for Hays Township and Harrison.
The packet also included a proposed resolution (24-16) to join a multi-county materials management plan; commissioners voted on that resolution during the meeting and recorded roll-call support. Staff reminded the board that revisions to the budget may be made through Oct. 1 and that final adoption is set for Sept. 30, at which time any last-minute adjustments will be inserted into the packet for adoption.
Staff and commissioners agreed to continue reviewing line-item details in the weeks ahead and to confirm training and procurement costs tied to drone purchases and other safety equipment before finalizing capital outlays.
