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Finance committee approves bills, sheriff budget tweaks and hiring process; airport lease tabled
Summary
At its Feb. 10 meeting, the Finance Ways & Means Committee approved $112,858.52 in bills, accepted the treasurer’s monthly report, approved two Sheriff’s Office budget adjustments and permission to begin hiring a deputy/sergeant (6–1), authorized rebidding an airport t‑hangar project, approved postage meter leases, and tabled an airport car-rental lease pending more information.
The Finance Ways & Means Committee of Alpena County met Feb. 10 and approved routine payables, several departmental budget adjustments and administrative contracts, and moved forward on hiring for the Sheriff’s Office while tabling one airport lease.
The committee approved paying $112,858.52 in submitted bills and voted to receive and file the county treasurer’s January 2026 financial reports. Treasurer Cindy Cebula presented the reports to commissioners before the vote.
Sheriff Erik Smith presented two budget adjustments. The first would increase line item 101‑301‑727.008 (Community Engagement) by $5,923.87; the second would fund line item 101‑301‑965.000 (SOR) by $1,000 to match budgeted revenue for 2026. Both adjustments were recommended for approval and the committee voted to forward them as presented.
After additional discussion the committee approved allowing the Sheriff’s Office to proceed with the hiring process for a deputy/sergeant. Commissioner Bill Peterson moved the action and Commissioner Brenda Fournier supported it; the roll call vote was 6–1 with Commissioner Dan Ludlow voting no and Commissioner Lucille Bray excused.
County Administrator Jesse Osmer presented two Pitney Bowes postage meter lease agreements (one for the Prosecutor’s Office and one for the Register of Deeds). The committee approved 60‑month leases billed quarterly at $467.85 each.
On airport business, the committee approved engaging RS&H to begin rebidding the FAA T‑hangar project after the previous bidder’s price-hold period lapsed; Commissioner Todd Britton recorded an abstention on that vote. Separate discussion about a proposed lease with Bay Leasing (DBA Avis Car Rental) was opened but Airport Manager Mick Higgins was not present; an initial motion to approve the lease was rescinded and the committee tabled action pending further information.
Administrator Osmer also reported he is still researching an insurance payment related to cut fiber and said the contractor contacted about the damage claimed it was not liable because the fiber was not properly flagged; Osmer said he hopes to have more answers this week.
The committee approved the updated 'Use of County Grounds' policy as presented; the minutes record the policy language clarifying that insurance will be required and that “No political activity such as campaigning or the collecting of signatures may occur inside of any county building, entrance, exits, steps or walkway to/from the sidewalks or parking areas during business hours.”
The meeting adjourned at 10:18 a.m.
