Gladwin County commissioners terminate inspection contract, adopt fund-policy and approve multiple contracts and purchases

Gladwin County’s Board of Commissioners convened March 11 and unanimously approved a slate of administrative actions, including terminating the county’s contract with the Houghton Lake Building Agency at the request of Justin Schneider, the county’s construction codes and zoning official.

The actions taken also included adoption of a new Fund Balance Policy presented by Commissioner Tom Winarski, renewal of the county’s five-year Merit internet contract, purchase of 130 multi-authenticator tokens for employees, approval of a $670 prosecutor laptop reimbursable through the IV-D grant, and the renewal of a $250 Michigan Recycle Coalition membership. The board approved procurement and a revised conflict-of-interest policy specific to CDBG-DR projects and authorized Chairperson Karen Moore to sign a letter of support for a Consumers Energy grant for the Four Lakes Task Force.

Why it matters: the contract termination affects how building inspections and code enforcement work will be administered locally; the Fund Balance Policy and Merit renewal carry budgeting and operational implications for county departments; and the CDBG-DR procurement and conflict-of-interest policies clear administrative paths for federally funded recovery projects.

Justin Schneider, identified in the minutes as the county’s construction codes/zoning official, asked the board to end the county’s relationship with the Houghton Lake Building Agency; Commissioner Mike Visnaw moved to terminate the contract and Commissioner Tami O’Donnell supported the motion. The minutes record the motion as carried by an affirmative vote of the full board.

Deputy Administrator Melanie Thume presented Information Technology items on behalf of the Data Committee. The board voted to renew the Merit internet contract for five years and approved the purchase of 130 multi-authenticator tokens to strengthen employee access security. Thume also advised the board of an IRS letter concerning late filings (2020 W-2s and 2021 Form 941s) and related interest charges; the board authorized Thume to consult a corporate certified public accountant on an emergency basis, with the expense charged to the commissioners’ contractual fee line.

Several travel and training requests were approved. Sheriff Mike Shea and Jail Administrator Matt McGourty were authorized to attend the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association Summer Professional Development Conference (June 1–3, 2025) with the county credit card to be used for training and hotel costs and with mileage and meals reimbursable. Other routine professional travel approvals reported in the minutes included attendance by Ronnie Budd and Stacey Gasiciel at their respective conferences.

Kim Hines presented a Gladwin County Procurement Policy tailored for CDBG-DR-funded projects and a revised conflict-of-interest policy tied to those projects; the board approved both as presented. The Prosecutor’s Office was authorized to buy a $670 laptop, a cost the minutes note is reimbursable through the IV-D grant. Chairperson Karen Moore was authorized to sign a letter supporting a Consumers Energy grant application for the Four Lakes Task Force.

Sheriff Mike Shea used the public-comment portion to caution the board about the newly adopted Fund Balance Policy and offered county staff a contact at Maximus to assist with the IRS matter. In nonaction items the minutes note that Heron Cove has filed a request for a hearing with the Michigan Supreme Court related to Four Lakes Task Force matters. Commissioners reported on township meetings, upcoming community events, and budget planning; Commissioner Tom Winarski said the county’s MERS obligation has risen and departments will have to account for higher contributions during budgeting.

The board adjourned at 10:04 a.m. The minutes note upcoming meetings in April on April 15 and April 22.