Alpena County approves $8,000 one-time transfer to HUNT amid budget concerns

The Alpena County Board of Commissioners voted 6-1 on May 27 to approve a one-time transfer of $8,000 to HUNT, shifting $4,000 from the Prosecutor’s Office and $4,000 from the Sheriff’s Office into HUNT line item 101-314-959.000.

Commissioner Bill Peterson moved the measure, seconded by Commissioner Bill LaHaie. The roll call showed AYES from Commissioners LaHaie, Bray, Peterson, Foumier, Britton and Chairman John Kozlowski; Commissioner Dan Ludlow voted NO. Commissioner Travis Konarzewski was excused.

Commissioner Dan Ludlow urged the board to keep the funds in their original budgets, arguing the $8,000 “could be used to help balance next year’s budget” and that reallocating line-item money undermines the purpose of individual budgets. Alpena County Prosecutor and HUNT board member Cynthia Muszynski answered commissioners’ questions during the discussion.

Separately, County Administrator Jesse Osmer presented a package of budget adjustments the board approved the same day. The adjustments included creating a new line item, 101-000-690-000, titled “Budget Use of Funds Balance” with $200,000; increasing line items 101-301-702-002 and 101-351-702.008 by $25,000 each; increasing line item 402-234-699.000 by $50,000; and increasing line item 677-271-699.000 by $100,000. Osmer said some increases are intended to ensure compliance with board policy (keeping Funds 677 and 402 at a $100,000 minimum) and to cover higher-than-expected payroll costs for deputies and correction officers.

The HUNT transfer originated as a recommendation from the Courts & Public Safety Committee and was pulled from the consent calendar for full-board discussion before the vote. The board approved other consent items and committee minutes during the meeting.

The board concluded the business item without further amendment. The meeting adjourned at 1:44 p.m.