Ontonagon County adopts resolution opposing House plan to cut county revenue sharing

The Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution 2025-10 on Sept. 16, 2025, formally opposing the Michigan House of Representatives' proposed cuts to county statutory revenue sharing for Fiscal Year 2026. The motion to adopt the resolution was made by Commissioner Bourdeau, supported by Commissioner Nousiainen and carried on a 5-0 roll call vote.

The resolution as recorded in the minutes cites figures presented in the board's text: it states the House proposal would cut county statutory revenue sharing by $34.9 million and would leave counties with about $256 million in statutory revenue sharing statewide, while cities, villages and townships would receive higher constitutional revenue sharing levels. The resolution contrasts the House plan with the Senate budget proposal, which the minutes say would provide just over $320 million in county statutory revenue sharing and includes $60 million for public safety that can be allocated at the discretion of county boards. The board urges the Michigan Legislature and the governor to reject the House approach and support the Senate proposal that the resolution says would better respect county governance and general fund flexibility.

Why it matters: statutory revenue sharing provides discretionary operating funds counties use to deliver mandated services (courts, public health, jails, elections and other functions). A change in the state formula or totals can materially affect county budgets and local services.

The minutes record the resolution's adoption and direct that copies be transmitted to the governor and legislative leaders named in the resolution.