Gladwin County commissioners adopt 2026 calendar, approve reappointments and routine contracts; $75,000 added to child care fund

The Gladwin County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 25 adopted its 2026 meeting calendar, approved a series of reappointments and routine budget items, and set several contracts and operational decisions in motion.

Chairperson Karen Moore opened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. and the board handled a consent agenda that included approval of the Nov. 10 minutes. Deputy Administrator Melanie Thume presented the proposed 2026 calendar, which the board adopted on a motion by Commissioner Mike Visnaw.

Treasurer Christy VanTiem asked the board to appropriate $75,000 to the Probate Court Child Care Fund to cover an anticipated shortfall. “We need funds to get through the end of the year,” VanTiem said; the board approved the appropriation, and Commissioner Alan Donaldson abstained because he is employed by MDHHS.

The board also reappointed members across several local bodies: Barb Lyons to the Library Board; Anne Edick, Mike Stumpfig and Gordon Huckins to the Planning Commission; Milton Alward to the Construction Codes Board; and Robert Schafer to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Commissioners voted to appoint Greg Reno to the Heartland Materials Management Plan to replace a resigning member.

On procurement and contracts, the board approved a new auditor contract with Rehmann after discussion; Treasurer VanTiem expressed support while Commissioner Tom Winarski said he preferred the contract include a fee if auditors failed to file on time (Winarski recorded a nay on the final vote). The board also approved several routine facility and equipment items, including a $732.60 ballistic vest for a new jail employee and a $3,900 plumbing repair at the county jail.

The board selected Guided Moments LLC as the operational event-management firm for the Gladwin Recreational Area after a presentation by Commissioner Alan Donaldson and Dayna Fennell of Guided Moments LLC. The board requested monthly financial reports for the site be routed through the County Treasurer and tabled a separate decision on branding.

Deputy Administrator Thume and Jail Administrative Assistant Ronnie Budd presented open-enrollment options for employee health insurance; staff said employees chose to remain with Messa despite higher premiums, and the board authorized offering Messa open enrollment to employees.

Sheriff Mike Shea asked for and received board approval to pursue legal remedies in the 80th District Court against a former department employee whom the sheriff said had signed a contract requiring a 60-month commitment but resigned after 27 months.

The meeting closed with routine administrative items and commissioner reports about local events, including the Gladwin City holiday parade on Dec. 6 and requests for further outreach to the Department of Natural Resources about Trout Lake.

Votes at a glance: - Adopt 2026 Board Calendar — Approved (unanimous) - Rehmann auditor contract — Approved (Winarski voted nay) - Guided Moments LLC selected as operations manager for Gladwin Recreational Area — Approved (unanimous) - Fee schedule adoption (nonprofit meeting fee corrected to $25) — Approved (vote recorded) - Appropriation of $75,000 to Probate Court Child Care Fund — Approved (Donaldson abstained) - Sheriff authorized to file breach-of-contract case in 80th District Court — Approved (unanimous) - Jail vest purchase ($732.60) — Approved (unanimous) - Plumbing replacement at jail ($3,900) — Approved (unanimous) - Multiple board reappointments and one appointment to HMMP — Approved (unanimous)

The board adjourned at 11:58 a.m.