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Chippewa County Road Commission approves payroll and 2026 schedule as staff reports drop in fuel‑tax receipts
Summary
At a Dec. 4 meeting in Sault Ste. Marie, the Road Commission approved payroll and vouchers, adopted a revised 2026 meeting calendar and heard Office Manager Bobbie Livermore report year‑over‑year drops in MTF receipts and lingering uncertainty over marijuana tax funds.
The Board of Chippewa County Road Commissioners on Dec. 4 approved routine payments and a revised 2026 meeting schedule while staff warned of lower fuel‑tax receipts that could tighten road budgets next year.
Office Manager Bobbie Livermore told the board that local road agencies have already seen a 15%–19% decline in October MTF year‑over‑year and that Chippewa County “saw a 19% decrease (approx. $125K).” She said some jurisdictions reported a 35% reduction between September and October 2025 and that budgeting and cash‑flow planning are being done conservatively while Neighborhood Road Funds and marijuana tax revenues remain uncertain because the new tax is the subject of ongoing litigation.
"There is still skepticism on the when and if we will see them before the start of second quarter 2026 as the marijuana tax funds are still being litigated," Livermore said, urging garages to submit outstanding invoices and statements to complete year‑end closeout work, including inventory counts and adjustments.
Manager Laitinen also briefed commissioners on pension portfolio reporting, saying, "Yesterday saw a news report that MERS is involved in a lawsuit regarding the handling of the coffee farm investment," and thanked shop staff for keeping equipment running as new mechanics settle in.
On routine business the board approved payroll of $223,770.45 and vouchers totaling $380,239.58. Commissioner Moser moved to accept the agenda at the start of the meeting; other motions to approve the Nov. 20 regular and closed meeting minutes were approved during the consent actions. The board also approved the 2026 meeting schedule, with date adjustments that move the Jan. 1 pay date to Dec. 31, 2025, and change meetings on March 24 and June 30, 2026.
Several shop leaders reported operational status: Foreman Johnston thanked mechanics for winter preparedness; Foreman Goodman said training of new employees is underway; and Foreman Johnson said crews are short‑handed but performing. Fleet Manager Donajkowski likewise thanked mechanics for keeping repair work current through continuous weather.
County Commissioner Jim Traynor commended the crews for snow removal during the public‑meeting portion. Chairman Jeremy Gagnon closed the meeting by urging attendees to "stay safe." The meeting adjourned at 8:25 a.m.
