FireKeepers board approves 2024 budget, allocations and offers Tier 4 grants capped at $25,000

The FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board voted June 18 to approve the 2024 budget, authorize multiple disbursements, keep the existing Tier 4 allocation formula and offer Tier 4 discretionary grants with a maximum award of $25,000 per application.

Kelli Scott, Calhoun County Administrator/Controller, told the board that net‑win revenue sharing for 2024 plus carryover from prior years yields approximately $6.6 million available for the year. Scott noted modest increases in administrative expenses, including the county’s QuickBooks Online subscription and audit costs. On a motion by Member Derek King and second by Chair Deb Belles, the board adopted the 2024 budget by roll call vote (Yes 6, No 0).

The board approved disbursement of Tier 1 and Tier 2 checks covering local administrative services and operating needs. Approved payments included $40,000 to Calhoun County Administrative Services; $47,853.63 to Emmett Township; a $47,749.98 payment to Emmett Township as Year 8 of an eight‑year multi‑year fire truck reimbursement authorized under an agreement approved Oct. 13, 2017; $490 to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office; and $78,457.72 to Calhoun County Courts. That disbursement motion was moved by Member King and seconded by Member Greg Moore and passed by roll call (Yes 6, No 0).

On Tier 3 matters, staff explained that the calculated Tier 3 amounts—intended to reimburse local governments for payments in lieu of taxes tied to millage rates—exceed the available 80% remainder of the annual 2% Net Win payments. The board confirmed the previously agreed proportion for properties subject to Tier 3: 97% assigned to the casino property and 3% to the tribal reservation property, and approved the 2024 Tier 3 taxable values and allocations. The board also approved 2024 Tier 3 allocations after noting that the County Equalization Department had updated millage rates and that an extravoted countywide 911 millage had been added this year.

The proposed Tier 4 formula was presented unchanged from prior years; it includes local governments, school districts and the County road department. Board members discussed the available fund balance—estimated at just over $461,000—and agreed the board could offer Tier 4 discretionary grants while maintaining reserves. The board voted to offer 2024 Tier 4 discretionary grants with a maximum per‑application award of $25,000 (motion by Member King, second by Member Derek Perry; roll call Yes 6, No 0).

The board also approved disbursement of checks to implement the Tier 3 and Tier 4 allocations just adopted and authorized payment of the county QuickBooks Online subscription ($645) charged to K. Scott’s procurement card.

The meeting was called to order by Chair Deb Belles at 2:02 p.m. and adjourned at 2:31 p.m. With the Tier 4 grants approved, the board rescheduled its July 17 meeting to Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in the Board of Commissioners Chambers at the Calhoun County Building in Marshall.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of June 18 agenda: voice vote; motion carried. - Consent agenda (minutes April 26, 2024): voice vote; motion carried. - Disbursement of Tier 1/Tier 2 checks (Calhoun County Admin Services $40,000; Emmett Township $47,853.63; Emmett Township fire truck reimbursement Year 8 $47,749.98; Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office $490; Calhoun County Courts $78,457.72): roll call Yes 6, No 0. - Approve 2024 FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board budget and summary: roll call Yes 6, No 0. - Approve 2024 Tier 3 taxable values/proportions and allocations: roll call Yes 6. - Approve 2024 Tier 4 formula and allocations: roll call Yes 6. - Approve disbursement of checks for Tier 3/Tier 4 allocations and county QuickBooks subscription ($645): roll call Yes 6. - Offer 2024 Tier 4 discretionary grants (max $25,000 per application): roll call Yes 6.