Gratiot County commissioners approve $487,000 drain payoff, sheriff camera contract and winter plow deal

The Gratiot County Board of Commissioners approved several fiscal and public‑safety measures at its most recent meeting, voting to pay off remaining county drain debt, approve a five‑year body and in‑vehicle camera plan for the sheriff’s office and contract a local firm to plow county properties this winter.

The board voted unanimously on a proposal to use fund balance to pay off the county’s remaining Drain Commissioner debt, which Administrator said is $487,000. "This is a logical place to get rid of some debt that we have," the Administrator said while recommending the payoff and an amendment to the Drain At‑Large budget to reflect the payment. Commissioner Steve moved to pay the balance with Commissioner George seconding; Commissioners Bunting, Gay, Sapy, Bailey and Owens voted yes on the roll call.

The drain payoff, the Administrator said, would reduce future interest costs and accelerate the county’s effort to retire long‑standing drain debt.

On procurement, the board approved a contract with a local company to provide winter snow removal for county properties after staff said only one bidder expressed interest. The board discussed per‑push pricing examples presented by staff: animal control sites $70 per push, the health department $100, the jail parking lot $110, handicap circle $60 and other county properties ranging roughly $50–$110. The award was carried by voice vote.

The board also approved a sole‑source purchase plan for new body and in‑vehicle cameras from Digital Ally, a system the sheriff’s command staff recommended because of existing support and compatibility with older devices. Administrator briefed the board on two payment options — pay up front or spread the cost over five years — and said the sheriff’s office preferred staying with the vendor for service continuity. The payment plan presented in the meeting listed a first‑year payment of $43,372 and subsequent annual payments of roughly $37,436 (four years); the meeting transcript contains inconsistent totals for the five‑year sum, and staff advised commissioners to consult the contract documents for exact figures. The board approved the contract on roll call with all commissioners voting yes.

Other items: the Administrator reported that the county’s FAA terminal grant application was denied and that staff will seek feedback and consider resubmitting next year. He also said the county’s final turbine depreciation lawsuit has been settled under a confidential agreement. During an Airport Advisory session the board approved an internal transfer of $1 million from the general fund to the Airport Authority to allow the airport to earn interest while staff pursue MDOT grant opportunities. MDOT has announced $4 million for fiscal 2025 across several airport categories; applications are due Dec. 5.

The board entered a closed session to consider courthouse security and later returned to approve the Gratiot County courthouse security policy and procedures by voice vote. Clerk (referred to in the meeting as Angie) gave an election update noting several thousand early votes and discussion of absentee ballot cure procedures.

The board adjourned at about 5:30 p.m.

What’s next: staff will provide contract documents and budget amendments for the drain payoff and camera contract; airport staff will refine grant project proposals for the Dec. 5 MDOT application deadline.