Board approves $386,112.61 in regular bills, additional $81,824 and budget amendment; tables several funding and appointment requests

At its March 13 meeting, the Mackinac County Board of Commissioners approved regular bills in the amount of $386,112.61 and additional bills totaling $81,824. A roll-call motion to approve the regular and additional bills passed with Commissioners Austin Kimberling, John Kling, Daryl Schroeder and Judy St. Louis-Scott voting yes; Commissioner Mike Patrick was absent.

The board also approved budget amendment #2025-04; the transcript notes the amendment was accepted as presented but does not specify monetary details in the spoken record (the amendment is attached to the minutes). Commissioners unanimously approved the amendment with one absence recorded.

On program funding, the board approved a pass-through application for SSM Tribe of Chippewa-Indians 2% monies to benefit the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum in Naubinway; the county will receive the funds and then issue payment to the applicant if the tribal funding is approved. Commissioners Kimberling and Kling moved and seconded the approval.

Two other items were discussed and tabled: a funding request from Newton Township for a new firehall (the board said it needs to know the requested amount before deciding) and a proposed appointment to the Snowbelt Transit Commission (commissioners said insufficient information was available). LMAS Director Nick Derusha presented the LMAS 2024 annual report during New Business; the transcript records the presentation but does not include report details.

Commissioners also reported out on several committee matters, including Brownfield Authority reconsideration, low attendance at the Opioid Committee, finalizing a sheriff contract (approved by officers), and an upcoming Dam Committee meeting. County Clerk Hillary Vowell asked members whether they would attend an Enbridge tour scheduled for March 18. The meeting adjourned at 5:44 p.m.