Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Votes at a glance: Alpena County approves shelter extension, contract and personnel measures
Summary
At its Jan. 27, 2026 meeting the Alpena County Board approved paying $462,336.95 in bills, extended the emergency warming shelter through March 31, approved a rink-management lease, signed a TPOAM LOU, and passed several personnel pay adjustments and budget items; roll-call tallies recorded where provided.
The Alpena County Board of Commissioners approved multiple motions during its Jan. 27 meeting, including payments, contract approvals, and personnel actions. Key outcomes and recorded roll-call results are listed below.
- Bills to pay: The board approved payment of presented bills totaling $462,336.95. Motion moved by Commissioner Bill LaHaie and supported by Commissioner Todd Britton; roll call recorded eight ayes, zero nays.
- Consent calendar: The board approved the consent calendar, which included committee minutes and recommendations covering reimbursements to the City of Alpena for drug box/kit restocking ($9,255.00) and EMS disposable supplies ($21,360.35). The board also authorized quarterly First Responder Call payments totaling $117,000 allocated across jurisdictions (City of Alpena $50,000; Charter Township of Alpena $39,000; Green Township $6,000; Hubbard Lake Township $3,000; Long Rapids Township $4,000; Maple Ridge Township $3,000; Sanborn Township $6,000; Wilson Township $6,000). Motion carried on roll call with eight ayes.
- 911 budget adjustment: The board approved a $4,398 budget adjustment to record a duplicate Verizon payment as a refund to 911 fund balance (Fund 261). Motion by Commissioner Lucille Bray; roll call unanimous.
- MRF project / NMMMA letter of intent: The board authorized the chairman to sign a Northeast Michigan Materials Management Authority (NMMMA) letter of intent to release USDA funds for a recycling facility. Motion carried unanimously; NMMMA said the facility aims to be operational by late 2026 or early 2027.
- NMMMA annual membership dues: The board approved payment of a $100 annual business membership that allows use of the NMMMA facility. Motion carried unanimously.
- Warming shelter extension: The board approved extending the warming shelter at the fairgrounds Merchant’s Building to remain open through March 31, 2026. Motion moved by Commissioner Bill Peterson, supported by Commissioner Dan Ludlow; roll call showed eight ayes.
- Alpena Rink Management lease: The board approved a Property Lease Agreement with Alpena Rink Management, LLC to manage Northern Lights Arena beginning April 28, 2026, for a three-year term with an option for a three-year extension. Motion moved by Commissioner Travis Konarzewski and supported by Commissioner Bill Peterson; roll call unanimous.
- TPOAM union contract LOU: The board approved signing a Letter of Understanding updating the TPOAM contract effective Jan. 27, 2026. Motion moved by Commissioner Bill Peterson and supported by Commissioner Dan Ludlow; roll call unanimous.
- Chief deputies pay scale adjustments (Option 1): The board approved Option 1 adjustments to the pay scale for the Chief Deputy Clerk and Chief Deputy Treasurer and authorized the County Treasurer and County Clerk to implement changes. Motion moved by Commissioner Todd Britton, supported by Commissioner Dan Ludlow. Roll call: seven ayes, one nay (Commissioner Brenda Fournier).
- Sheriff and Undersheriff wages: The board approved a 12% salary increase for both the Sheriff and the Undersheriff, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Motion moved by Commissioner Bill Peterson, supported by Commissioner Dan Ludlow; roll call unanimous.
What this means: The meeting advanced multiple operational, facilities, and personnel items that will affect county operations and service delivery in the coming months. Several items will require follow-up work by staff to implement contract details and budget adjustments.
