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Alpena County commissioners approve 2026 policies, warming shelter funding and Animal Control staffing
Summary
At its Dec. 17 meeting, the Alpena County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 board policies, appointed two members to the Board of Canvassers, authorized FEMA reimbursement filing, allocated $15,000 to St. Vincent de Paul to operate a warming shelter through March 31, 2026, and approved immediate funding to assist shelter guests from outside the area.
The Alpena County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 17 approved several governance changes and emergency funding measures, including a $15,000 allocation to St. Vincent de Paul to operate a warming shelter and a $1,000 transfer to the countys Finding Your Way Home Program to assist nonlocal shelter guests.
County Administrator Jesse Osmer presented the package of actions that the board unanimously approved. The board adopted the 2026 Board Policies, which among other changes give the treasurer authority to make payroll adjustments within the same budget with clerk or administrator sign-off, set chairmanships every two years and vice chairmanships annually, require agendas to be released two business days before meetings, and add a Contracts & Grants Committee. Commissioner Bill Peterson moved approval of the policies; Commissioner Todd Britton supported the motion.
The board approved submitting final documentation to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for reimbursement related to the 2025 winter ice storm, directing the expected reimbursement (approximately $63,636.05) into line item 101-200-502.001. County Administrator Jesse Osmer presented the FEMA memo and the board voted to proceed.
On operational and community-service items, the board approved a one-time $15,000 allocation to St. Vincent de Paul to operate a warming shelter at the Merchants Building, with use of the building authorized through March 31, 2026; utilities used during the agreement will be invoiced to St. Vincent de Paul. The organization planned to open the shelter Dec. 22. The board also approved an immediate $1,000 transfer from Committee Meetings funds to the Finding Your Way Home Program to help relocate individuals who come to the shelter from outside the immediate area rather than turning them away.
The board addressed local services and community partners: it approved a $5,000 allocation to the Northeast Michigan Materials Management Authority (NMMMA) for the 2026 Clean Up and Electronics Day (NMMMA had requested $7,500 but the county budgeted $5,000), and accepted an updated Parks Ordinance drafted by the ad hoc committee.
County Clerk Keri Bertrand presented two nominees for the Alpena County Board of Canvassers. Commissioner Lucille Bray moved, and Commissioner Bill Peterson supported, appointing Ingrid Stepanski and Gloria Greggory each to four-year terms beginning Nov. 1, 2025 and ending Oct. 31, 2029.
Sheriff Erik Smith notified the board that the animal shelter manager had resigned and multiple shelter technicians were leaving. The board approved hiring Amanda Rodriguez as part-time Animal Control Shelter Manager and authorized the sheriff to begin a search for a replacement Animal Control Officer.
Routine business included approval of bills totaling $44,063.71 and adoption of the consent calendar. The board adjourned at 2:17 p.m.
Votes at a glance
- Agenda adoption (with additions): Moved by Commissioner Bill Peterson; supported by Commissioner Brenda Foumier. Outcome: approved (7-0, Commissioner Travis Konarzewski excused). - Bills to pay ($44,063.71): Moved by Commissioner Todd Britton; supported by Commissioner Bill LaHaie. Outcome: approved (7-0, excused 1). - Board of Canvassers appointments (Ingrid Stepanski; Gloria Greggory): Moved by Commissioner Lucille Bray; supported by Commissioner Bill Peterson. Outcome: approved (7-0). - FEMA reimbursement filing and acceptance into FEMA line item: Moved by Commissioner Brenda Foumier; supported by Commissioner Bill Peterson. Outcome: approved (7-0). Expected reimbursement: about $63,636.05. - 2026 Board Policies: Moved by Commissioner Bill Peterson; supported by Commissioner Todd Britton. Outcome: approved (7-0). - Committee/Commission Meetings & Chairmanships Policy: Moved by Commissioner Brenda Foumier; supported by Commissioner Todd Britton. Outcome: approved (7-0). - Parks Ordinance update: Moved by Commissioner Lucille Bray; supported by Commissioner Brenda Foumier. Outcome: approved (7-0). - NMMMA allocation ($5,000): Moved by Commissioner Bill LaHaie; supported by Commissioner Dan Ludlow. Outcome: approved (7-0). - Warming shelter allocation ($15,000 to St. Vincent de Paul): Moved by Commissioner Lucille Bray; supported by Commissioner Bill Peterson. Outcome: approved (7-0). Use of Merchant's Building approved through March 31, 2026; utilities invoiced to St. Vincent de Paul. - Finding Your Way Home allocation ($1,000 immediate transfer): Moved by Commissioner Bill Peterson; supported by Commissioner Lucille Bray. Outcome: approved (7-0). - Animal Control staffing (Amanda Rodriguez, part-time manager; sheriff to seek replacement ACO): Moved by Commissioner Brenda Foumier; supported by Commissioner Todd Britton. Outcome: approved (7-0).
What this means
The boards approvals set county governance rules for 2026, allocated emergency shelter funds for the winter months, and addressed immediate staffing gaps in Animal Control. The FEMA filing begins a reimbursement process that will place recovered funds into a dedicated FEMA line item. The board did not take public comment at the meeting.
