Oscoda County Board of Commissioners amends sheriff millage language, approves multiple hires and budget moves

The Oscoda County Board of Commissioners on May 12 amended the preamble language of two previously adopted resolutions related to local tax measures, approved a slate of personnel actions and seasonal hires, authorized the renewal of airport liability insurance, and approved a $254,375 intra-fund transfer to pay principal and interest on the sheriff’s building bond.

At the start of the 10:00 a.m. meeting in Mio, Board Chairman Charles E. Varner welcomed newly appointed District 3 Commissioner Linda Jagiello and reported that interior construction work has begun at the Oscoda County Government Center under Clark Construction, including upgrades to the building’s fire suppression system; Varner said the project’s estimated completion window is the end of summer.

The Board unanimously moved to amend Resolution 2026-004, the “Oscoda County Sheriff Equipment Millage Proposal,” to clarify that voters would be asked to authorize a 0.50-mill levy for 2026–2029 replacing an existing 0.25-mill authorization (motion Handrich/McCauley). The Board also unanimously amended Resolution 2026-007 concerning submission to the electorate of a telephone surcharge for emergency (911) services (motion Breaugh/Handrich). Both amendments were approved by recorded roll call votes.

On personnel matters the Board acknowledged the resignation of Paramedic Yale Miller and approved hiring Kerrie Eisbrenner as a full-time EMT effective May 22, 2026, at a starting wage of $18.30 per hour with eligibility for county benefits (motions Breaugh/McCauley). The Board authorized additional temporary hours for Clerk’s office staff—up to five extra hours per week through Aug. 15, 2026—and approved seasonal re-hires for parks and the Historical Commission with rates and hour limits set in the motions.

The Board approved renewal of Aviation Ground Operations Liability Insurance for the Dennis Kauffman Memorial Airport from Global Aerospace, with an annual premium of $1,988.00 (inclusive of TRIA) for the May 14, 2026–May 14, 2027 policy period, and continued a three-year multi-year policy. Treasurer William Kendall was authorized to transfer $254,375 from the DTRF Transfer Out budget line to the General Fund to pay principal and interest on the Sheriff's Building bond to Mercantile Bank; the Board amended the budget accordingly.

Votes at a glance (all motions listed were carried): - Agenda approval (McCauley/Breaugh): 5 yes, 0 no (Motion 2026-114) - Consent calendar including April 28 minutes and $98,938.75 Claims & Audit Docket: 5 yes, 0 no (Motion 2026-115) - Amend Resolution 2026-004 (Sheriff equipment millage preamble) (Handrich/McCauley): 5 yes, 0 no (Motion 2026-116) - Amend Resolution 2026-007 (Telephone surcharge language) (Breaugh/Handrich): 5 yes, 0 no (Motion 2026-117) - Acknowledge EMS resignation and hire EMT (Breaugh/McCauley): 5 yes, 0 no (Motions 2026-118; 2026-119) - Clerk’s office additional hours through Aug. 15, 2026 (Varner/Breaugh): roll call unanimous (Motion 2026-120) - Seasonal and motor-pool personnel motions including hires and terminations: all carried (Motions 2026-121 through 2026-126) - Airport insurance renewal authorization (Jagiello/Breaugh): 5 yes, 0 no (Motion 2026-127) - Treasurer fund transfer of $254,375 to cover bond payment (McCauley/Handrich): 5 yes, 0 no (Motion 2026-128) - Adjournment at 10:57 a.m. (Handrich/McCauley): 5 yes, 0 no (Motion 2026-129)

The Board directed staff to return with further information on a separate request for a letter of support for the Oscoda County Council on Aging’s Region 9 multi-year plan before taking action. The Board also tabled a separate funding request related to a township electronics-recycling event pending clarification of reimbursement rules tied to an EGLE planning grant (see separate article). The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for May 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mio Community Center.