Commissioners approve $5,000 for employee engagement account despite legal concerns

A majority of the Gratiot County Board of Commissioners voted to allow up to $5,000 to remain in an employee engagement committee account to fund staff events, approving the motion 4–1 after a round of debate over legal exposure.

The motion, presented during general business, sought to leave an existing $5,000 line item available to the employee engagement committee — funds that were negotiated into union provisions to cover events such as holiday luncheons. Supporters said the money has historically covered employee gatherings and that current balances (about $2,500 spent in the most recent year) make the $5,000 cap sufficient for planned activities.

Several commissioners and the administrator cautioned that using public funds for employee events can run afoul of state law. One commissioner cited Treasury guidance and the Uniform Budget and Accounting Act, saying the practice could be an unlawful expenditure unless structured appropriately and recommending consultation with county counsel. Another commissioner responded that the board could override the guidance and that a note in an audit would be acceptable to them.

The clerk recorded the roll-call vote: Commissioners Gay, Sapsis, Bailey and Owens voted yes; Commissioner Bunting voted no.

The board instructed that the legal question be clarified: one commissioner asked that the matter be reviewed by the county attorney before wide use of the funds, and members discussed alternatives such as staff‑funded potlucks or commissioners purchasing food directly. Supporters also pointed to existing practice of funding events through employee-raised money (potlucks, chili cook-offs) when necessary.

The approval leaves the $5,000 cap in place but includes discussion of seeking formal legal advice on whether the county’s use of the funds is permissible under state standards. The board moved on to other items after the vote.