County trims program budgets, eliminates Mackinac Economic Alliance funding
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Summary
Mackinac County commissioners cut or reduced budgets for local programs: MSU Extension's budget was decreased, the Mackinac Economic Alliance budget was eliminated for lack of reported activity, and the Veterans Committee recommended raises and an assistant position; Brownfield Authority work on a $1.5M grant was also discussed.
At the Dec. 5 Committee of the Whole meeting, Mackinac County commissioners reviewed several program budgets and local development updates.
Commissioners said MSU Extension’s county allocation was reduced from $81,000 to $79,721; commissioners and staff said the county-provided office space had not been cost effective and that Extension staff will seek different office accommodations. Separately, the board eliminated funding for the Mackinac Economic Alliance (MEA), saying the MEA did not provide project reports or evidence of progress during 2025; commissioners cited lack of communication as the basis for removing the MEA line from the budget.
The Veterans Committee recommended increasing the Veterans Service Officer salary to $49,500 and adding a staff assistant in the coming year. Commissioner Judy St. Louis-Scott said the Community Land Management and Community Action Agency (CLMCAA) received a grant to build a new garage.
Commissioner Daryl Schroeder reported that Brownfield Authority developers declined a proposed housing site because of rocky soil discovered after testing, and he said he is working on a Brownfield Authority letter of intent for a $1.5 million grant. Those remarks indicate project feasibility concerns for that property; no formal Brownfield award or contract was recorded in this meeting.
During public comment District Court Administrator Christine Bawol asked whether non‑union employees must submit a letter to request wage increases; Commissioner John Kling said a letter would be appropriate. Sheriff Ed Wilk and Register of Deeds Mary Jo Savard thanked commissioners for their budget work. Treasurer Tina Massey said she appreciates the research but continues to prefer basing wage increases on taxable values.
The meeting record reflects administrative budget changes and recommendations for board consideration; commissioners adjourned at 12:43 p.m.