Oscoda County commissioners unanimously approve tax certification, CDBG submission and routine staffing and contracts

The Oscoda County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 9, 2025, voted unanimously on a slate of routine actions, including a tax-certification resolution, authorization of Municipal Employees’ Retirement System signatories, adoption of a Michigan Community Development Block Grant application and several personnel and contract approvals.

The board, chaired by Commissioner Charles E. Varner, Jr., opened the meeting at 10:00 a.m. in the Oscoda County Government Center and approved the published agenda and consent calendar. The consent calendar included unofficial minutes for Aug. 26, 2025; budget amendments across General Fund and Trial Courts accounts; and a Claims and Audit Docket totaling $182,243.05.

Why it matters: The tax-certification (Resolution 2025-012) and the CDBG adoption (Resolution 2025-011) are formal, required steps that allow the county to certify its tax levy and proceed with submitting a federal/state community development grant application, respectively. The board also cleared personnel actions and contract renewals that maintain county operations.

Tax certification and MERS authorization Equalization Director Amber Woehlert presented Resolution 2025-012, the county’s tax certification and the associated L-4029 certificate form; the board adopted the resolution by roll call. Separately, the board adopted a resolution under 1996 PA 220 to establish authorized signatories for Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS) contracts, as requested by staff.

CDBG public hearing and adoption Housing staff member LeeAnn Fischer led a public hearing required under the Open Meetings Act to review Oscoda County’s Michigan Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application. The board recessed the hearing and subsequently adopted Resolution 2025-011 to submit the application as presented.

Legal services, staffing and personnel actions County Administrator and HR Director Michelle Knepp presented an engagement letter between the county and law firm Schultz and Young PC; the board authorized the county’s legal representation and the chair to sign the engagement (motion 2025-259).

Court Administrator Tom Pratt informed the board that Leah Blair had resigned from the Youth Liaison Officer position effective Sept. 1, 2025; the board authorized advertising and hiring a contingent full-time Youth Liaison Officer (up to 35 hours/week) with a starting wage of $17.00–$18.00 per hour funded through a Basic Grant. In a separate item, Prosecutor Kristi McGregor reported hiring Leah Blair as a full-time legal secretary (35 hours/week) at $18.00 per hour, effective Sept. 2, 2025; the board acknowledged that hire.

Sheriff Kann brought forward the hire of Jessica Raymond as a full-time administrative employee, with a start date of Sept. 15, 2025, to be paid from budget line 101-301-704.07; the board approved the hire.

Fleet, pay and subscription approvals Motor Pool Supervisor Christopher Fuhr requested disposal of two county vehicles — a 2013 Chevrolet Impala (VIN 2G1WD5E37D1257223) and a 2015 Chevrolet Impala Limited Roadster (VIN 2G1WD5E32F1154097) — with proceeds to be deposited into the Sheriff Equipment budget; the board authorized both disposals.

Court Administrator Pratt also asked for a $1.00 per hour wage increase for two part-time courthouse security officers, Scott Woodward and Jody Coon, effective Sept. 7, 2025; the board approved the increase. Treasurer William Kendall requested renewal of an Amazon Business Prime subscription for one year at $779.00 to be charged to the Govt Admin Subscriptions budget line; the board approved the renewal.

Contract renewals The board approved a one-year renewal of the Wellvance lease (Oct. 1, 2025–Sept. 30, 2026) and authorized a YEO & YEO Technology support agreement renewal for Fortinet firewall coverage for $626.00 (Oct. 7, 2025–Oct. 7, 2026), authorizing the chair to sign both agreements.

Public comment and committee reports During public comment, resident volunteer AJ Welser requested that the board consider providing assistance to a local veteran seeking funds to obtain medical records to support a veterans’ benefits claim. Sheriff Kann thanked the community for support of a recent blood drive, reporting the event exceeded its goal with more than 40 donors. Commissioners provided brief committee reports on township meetings, regional bodies and upcoming local meetings.

What’s next The board adjourned at 10:53 a.m. and scheduled its next regular meeting for Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Boardroom; teleconference and Zoom participation options were announced.

Quotes from the meeting "He requested that the Board of Commissioners look into this matter and consider providing assistance to the veteran," said resident AJ Welser during public comment, referring to help obtaining medical records. Sheriff Kann said the blood drive "achieved" its goal with over 40 donors.

All formal motions and roll-call approvals referenced in this article were recorded in the meeting minutes and carried by unanimous votes where noted.