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Oceana County commissioners approve contracts, set wage and confirm state control over Hart solar permitting
Summary
At its May 22 meeting the Oceana County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a three-year janitorial contract, a $10,000 van appropriation for Parks & Recreation, continued the Mason‑Oceana 911 surcharge, set a deputy emergency manager wage at $20/hr, approved an emergency-management vehicle policy, extended an equalization contract pending review, and accepted a legal opinion that utility‑scale solar projects are exempt from county building permits.
Chairperson Robert Walker and the Oceana County Board of Commissioners met May 22, 2025, and unanimously approved a set of motions covering contracts, personnel pay, and the county’s role in permitting for utility‑scale solar projects.
The board voted to enter a three‑year janitorial services agreement with Marvelous Maids at $47,616 per year (motion 2025‑59). Commissioners also approved an appropriation of $10,000 to purchase a van for the Parks and Recreation Commission (motion 2025‑61). The board adopted a recommendation from the Mason‑Oceana 911 Board to continue the local telephone surcharge at $2.09 with no change (motion 2025‑62).
Commissioners set the hourly wage for a Deputy Emergency Manager at $20 per hour, citing required training and responsibilities as justification for the increase from the prior $15/hour level (motion 2025‑63). The board also approved an Emergency Management municipal vehicle policy authorizing a municipal vehicle for the Emergency Management Director for exclusive use in the performance of official duties (motion 2025‑64).
The board agreed to extend the contract with V & V Assessing LLC until the next meeting (June 12, 2025) to permit additional review of the proposal and to accept GIS billing invoices for board approval (motion 2025‑65). The board also approved payment of claims and release of funds totaling $660,852.59 across county funds and departments (motion 2025‑66).
On permitting for a proposed utility‑scale solar project in Hart Township, the board considered a written legal opinion from the county attorney’s office (Cohl, Stoker and Tosky, PC). The opinion concluded that, under the State Construction Code and Michigan Building Codes, ‘‘facilities that generate, transmit and distribute energy are exempt from building permit requirements’’ and cited MCL 125.1502a(1)(bb). The opinion noted the Michigan Public Service Commission and state energy statutes can preempt local ordinances for certain renewable energy projects; the board recorded this legal interpretation and voted in favor of the motion reflecting that conclusion (motion 2025‑67).
All votes recorded in the meeting minutes on the motions listed above were unanimous in favor (Mr. Tim Beggs — yes; Mr. Joel McCormick — yes; Mr. Craig Hardy — yes; Mr. Paul Erickson — yes; and Chairperson Robert Walker — yes).
Why it matters: the legal opinion and the board’s action on the Hart Township project clarify that, under current state law and the cited county attorney analysis, the county lacks authority to require building permits or collect permitting fees for facilities that the opinion finds to be part of electricity generation, transmission or distribution. Commissioners discussed ongoing state and township legislative activity that could change local authority in the future.
The board also received routine reports and approved claims across multiple county funds. Administrator Byard did not present a formal administrator’s report at the meeting, citing time devoted to the solar and transfer‑station matters; the board authorized vendor follow‑up on a recent courthouse basement leak.
The board adjourned at 11:59 a.m.; the contract extension for equalization services is scheduled for further review at the June 12, 2025 meeting.
