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Sanilac County commissioners approve budget changes, adopt cash-handling policy and accept cybersecurity grants
Summary
At its May 5 meeting the Sanilac County Board of Commissioners approved multiple budget amendments, adopted a revised cash-handling policy, appointed Dawn Cubitt to the Sanilac Health Board, and accepted two cybersecurity grants totaling $487,610. The board also proclaimed May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.
SANIDAC COUNTY — The Sanilac County Board of Commissioners on May 5 approved a package of routine but consequential measures, including budget adjustments, a revised cash-handling policy and acceptance of two federal cybersecurity sub-awards totaling $487,610.
The 1 p.m. meeting opened with Chairman Jon Block presiding and a seven-member quorum present. Commissioner Christine Lee moved to adopt the agenda and Commissioner Roger Ballard seconded; the motion carried. The board also approved the April 21 minutes.
The board approved FA-070-26, a payment of current claims in the general bank account totaling $252,099.57, on a motion by Commissioner Bill Sarkella and second by Commissioner Evans Ehardt.
In a larger fiscal action, the board adopted FA-071-26, a set of 2026 budget amendments that shifted revenues and expenses across multiple funds and established several new line items (including a salaries sick-pay account and a grounds-care jail account). Commissioner Sarkella moved the amendments; Commissioner Christine Lee seconded and the motion carried.
The board then adopted an amended Cash Handling Policy (Policy No. 426), effective May 5, 2026. The policy, which cites MCL 750.490 and related state duties for county treasurers, formalizes segregation of duties for cash receipts, counterfeit-currency procedures, bank-reconciliation timing and daily handling protocols. Commissioner Sarkella moved adoption; Commissioner Evans Ehardt seconded and the motion carried.
The board approved several procurement and service agreements. Motions approved included a non-expiring agreement (FA-073-26) authorizing contractual law-enforcement services between Washington Township and the Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office and authorization for the board chair to sign the agreement; a purchase and installation package (FA-074-26) of upfitting and lighting for a 2025 Chevrolet Express van not to exceed $12,361 funded by a U.S. Marshal Service contract; and an election-services agreement (FA-075-26) enabling a joint early-voting site between the county and municipalities. Commissioner Sarkella moved each item; seconder names are recorded with the motions and the board carried each vote.
Public safety equipment purchases included FA-076-26, which authorized the 911 director to purchase two additional radios from Thumb Radio, Inc., for up to $11,420 with funding from the 911 millage.
On grants, the board accepted FA-077-26: a FY2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) sub-award of $310,630 and a FY2024 SLCGP sub-award of $176,980 (Grant #EMW-2024-CY-05018), motions moved by Commissioner Sarkella and seconded by Commissioner Gary Heberling. The grants were accepted by vote.
Appointments and recognitions: the board placed Dawn Cubitt and Amanda Mosher into nomination for a five-year term on the Sanilac Health Board (term expiring April 15, 2031) and, following signed-ballot results, appointed Dawn Cubitt. Tamera Feldhouse of Region 7 ABATE thanked the board for its "ongoing commitment to Look Twice Save a Life and keeping motorcycle riders safe." The board also adopted a resolution proclaiming May as Motorcycle Awareness Month by roll call vote (Yes: Block, Ballard, Heberling, Moody, Lee, Sarkella, Ehardt).
MSU Extension District 10 Director Karly Creguer presented the 2025 annual report and noted upcoming County Commissioner Academy trainings in Grayling (June 10) and Lansing (Oct. 7).
The meeting closed with the board adjourning at 1:59 p.m. on a motion by Commissioner Sarkella and second by Commissioner John Moody.
Votes at a glance: - FA-070-26 (Accounts payable): $252,099.57 — moved by Sarkella; seconded by Ehardt; carried. - FA-071-26 (2026 budget amendments): multiple line-item adjustments and new accounts — moved by Sarkella; seconded by Lee; carried. - FA-072-26 (Cash Handling Policy No. 426): adopted, effective 05/05/2026 — moved by Sarkella; seconded by Ehardt; carried. - FA-073-26 (Law-enforcement services agreement — Washington Township): authorized; carried. - FA-074-26 (Van security/light package — Arrowhead Upfitters): authorization up to $12,361 (U.S. Marshal funding); carried. - FA-075-26 (Election services agreement — early voting site): authorized; carried. - FA-076-26 (Two radios — Thumb Radio, Inc.): authorization up to $11,420 (911 millage); carried. - FA-077-26 (SLCGP cybersecurity sub-awards): $310,630 (FY2023) and $176,980 (FY2024) — accepted; carried. - NFA-008-26 (Accept MSU Extension annual report): accepted; carried.
What happens next: Several items (budget amendments, policy adoption, procurement authorizations and grant acceptances) were approved and will move to implementation steps managed by county administration and respective departments. The board is scheduled to reconvene for regular business on its next meeting date.
