Chippewa County road commissioners approve 2026 budget, address $1.056M 2025 shortfall

The Board of Chippewa County Road Commissioners on Dec. 31 approved the General Appropriations Act for 2026 and adopted a 2025 Budget Amendment after hearing that year-end spending is expected to exceed revenue by about $1.056 million.

Office Manager Bobbie Livermore told the board during a public hearing that the shortfall stems from several factors, including a 20% reduction in MTF for the fourth quarter, timing of purchases and vendor upfit for new Western Star trucks that delayed disbursement of loan funds, the inadvertent exclusion of the 16 Mile bridge replacement from the 2025 budget, and higher equipment maintenance costs tied to an aging fleet. Livermore also said several capital outlay items were removed because cashflow did not support those purchases.

Commissioner Sprague moved and Commissioner Moser seconded to close the public hearing and to approve the 2026 General Appropriations Act; both motions "carried," as recorded in the meeting minutes. The board subsequently approved 2025 Budget Amendment #1 and passed Resolution 2025-05 authorizing an optional fund transfer under Act 51; the resolution was approved by unanimous roll-call vote.

The board also appointed Robert Laitinen as Chief Administrative Officer and Bobbie Livermore as Fiscal Officer for 2026 and granted the officers transfer authorization not to exceed 30% of the total budget for addressing line-item deficits. The minutes record the motions and approvals but do not list individual roll-call votes for each motion beyond the unanimous roll-call noted for Resolution 2025-05.

The meeting was called to order at 8:47 A.M. and adjourned at 9:17 P.M. The board noted no public guests were present during the hearing.