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Benzie County commissioners approve assessor opt‑out, join opioid settlement and reallocate MDTs
Summary
At the July 22 meeting the Benzie County Board voted unanimously to authorize township opt‑outs for a designated assessor, participate in a nationwide opioid class‑action settlement (Rubris CL 1766143), declare MDT devices surplus and allocate a one‑time $3,000 reimbursement budget, and amend the employee roster to add a Deputy County Administrator.
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on July 22, 2025, to authorize several administrative actions and one participation in a nationwide settlement during its regular session in Beulah.
The board approved an interlocal agreement that allows townships to opt out of the appointment of a Designated Assessor and authorized the chair and county clerk to sign the agreement. Commissioner Nye moved the measure and Commissioner Markey seconded; the vote was recorded as Ayes: Davis, Jeannot, Markey, Nye, Roelofs, Sauer and Trigg.
In separate motions, commissioners voted to participate in the national opioid class‑action settlement identified by Rubris Reference Number CL 1766143 and authorized the County Administrator to sign documentation necessary to enroll the county in the settlement (motion by Commissioner Trigg, seconded by Commissioner Davis; unanimous vote).
The board also declared certain mobile data terminal (MDT) devices described in a July 15, 2025 communication from 911 Director Cory Ellis as surplus, authorized transfer of ownership of those devices to the agencies that originally used them, and directed Administration to budget a one‑time general fund allocation of $3,000 to reimburse individual fire agencies for proof of purchase of replacement MDTs (motion by Commissioner Markey, seconded by Commissioner Nye; unanimous vote). Commissioner Markey noted his department would be among the beneficiaries.
Commissioners amended the 2024–2025 employee roster to replace the Human Resources Manager position with a Deputy County Administrator position (motion by Commissioner Markey, seconded by Commissioner Davis; unanimous vote).
Why this matters: The assessor opt‑out affects how property assessment services are arranged with townships and could change local assessment administration. Participation in the opioid settlement enables the county to access its share of any distributed funds or remediation programs established under the settlement. The MDT surplus action transfers equipment ownership and establishes a modest county reimbursement to help local fire agencies replace devices.
Votes at a glance: • Approve agenda: Motion by Commissioner Sauer; seconded by Commissioner Trigg — Ayes: Davis, Jeannot, Markey, Nye, Roelofs, Sauer, Trigg — Motion carried. • Approve regular and closed minutes (July 8, 2025): Motions carried unanimously. • Bills payment (July 3–17, 2025), $506,658.92: Motion by Commissioner Sauer; seconded by Commissioner Davis — unanimous. • Interlocal agreement — designated assessor opt‑out: Motion by Commissioner Nye; seconded by Commissioner Markey — unanimous. • Opioid settlement participation (Rubris CL 1766143): Motion by Commissioner Trigg; seconded by Commissioner Davis — unanimous. • MDT devices declared surplus and $3,000 reimbursement allocation: Motion by Commissioner Markey; seconded by Commissioner Nye — unanimous. • Amend employee roster (Deputy County Administrator): Motion by Commissioner Markey; seconded by Commissioner Davis — unanimous.
Budget and staff notes: During discussion of the FY 2025–26 draft budget, commissioners reached consensus not to make extra contributions to the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS). The Building Department indicated a forthcoming proposal to raise permitting fees; the board agreed to consider that proposal during budget deliberations. Investment interest was projected at 3 percent, and health insurance was budgeted at a 12 percent increase but has been tracking to about 9.8 percent. Advanced Benefit Group is scheduled to present benefits information on Aug. 12, 2025.
Next steps: The county administrator was authorized to sign settlement paperwork for the opioid case. The Administration office will include the one‑time $3,000 reimbursement allocation in the FY 2025–26 budget process and will process MDT transfers upon receipt of proof of purchase by recipient fire agencies.
Source: Benzie County Board of Commissioners regular meeting, July 22, 2025. The meeting minutes record routine unanimous votes on the items above.
