Oceana County board signs five-year transfer-station contract, adopts apportionment report and approves multiple appointments

OCEANA COUNTY, Mich. — The Oceana County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Oct. 23 to approve a package of motions that will shift transfer station operations to a private vendor, finalize county millage apportionment for 2025 and confirm several appointments.

The board approved a five-year agreement with American Classic to operate the county transfer station beginning Dec. 1, 2025. Commissioners said American Classic will be offered the three current transfer-station employees as company hires and the contract includes a monthly payment of $500 to the county for accounting and recordkeeping. Administrator Tracy Byard told the board that site cleanup (including oil remediation), excavating and fence installation remain pending; she and commissioners said Dec. 1 was a target takeover date but that the date could be adjusted if the remaining work ran late.

Commissioners also adopted the 2025 Apportionment Report and authorized the Oceana County Equalization Director to sign Michigan Department of Treasury Form L-4402, a routine step that certifies millage rates for local taxing jurisdictions under state rules. Equalization Director Edward Vandervries explained the Headlee-related process that can require millage rate reductions when taxable value growth would otherwise increase revenue beyond the inflation limit; he noted the Village of Rothbury reduced its millage after annexation and new festival-related tax revenues.

The board approved the Memorandum of Agreement with Michigan State University Extension for FY2026 and allowed the chair to sign. MSU Extension District Director James Kelly told commissioners the contract reflects a modest increase and cited Extension programming in agriculture, 4-H and water resources as benefits to local growers and youth. Kelly also flagged staffing and funding reductions at MSU Extension following federal funding losses that eliminated community nutrition positions; Oceana recently lost an educator position and MSU is pursuing alternative funding.

The board accepted a $19,031 cybersecurity grant from the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division to fund county cybersecurity assessments.

Other actions included reappointing Cynthia Fout (Republican) and Kathleen Schneider (Democrat) to the Board of Canvassers for four-year terms beginning Nov. 1, approving payment of claims and the release of funds (the meeting record lists a grand total of $1,119,626.35 across funds), and appointing Gary Anderson (Great Lakes Allied) to a regional Materials Management Planning Committee seat representing Newaygo County. All recorded votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.

The board also discussed related operational details: the county will receive a $500 monthly administrative payment from the transfer station vendor; McNally Elevator received $21,491 for elevator replacement work; Life EMS received a subsidy payment reflected in the claims; and the county is continuing follow-up on outstanding ARPA-funded projects. The meeting concluded with routine commissioner reports and public comment.