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Ogemaw County reviews financial policies and weighing prosecuting attorney role in zoning enforcement
Summary
County officials reviewed a new ACH policy, a delinquent‑tax fund preservation policy, FY2026 fee adjustments and options for legal representation in zoning enforcement; prosecutors indicated willingness to handle ordinance enforcement but compensation and capacity remain to be negotiated.
The Ogemaw County Board of Commissioners reviewed a series of administrative and financial policy items and discussed options for legal support in zoning enforcement.
Treasurer Karen and county staff presented an automated‑clearing‑house (ACH) electronic funds transfer policy drafted to strengthen internal controls and clarify responsibilities for electronic payments. Commissioners voiced support for the policy as an accountability measure; staff said new vendors will be brought to the board for approval.
On fiscal policy, staff proposed a preservation rule for the delinquent‑tax revolving fund to keep an operating cushion so the county avoids short‑term borrowing to settle tax collections with townships and cities. Commissioners supported the approach but asked that any fixed preservation number be set using year‑end delinquency data because the needed balance fluctuates.
The board also reviewed proposed changes to the FY2026 fee schedule including removing a re‑roof permit requirement and adding several marriage‑license fee items including a $50 waiver for the three‑day waiting period and an out‑of‑state license fee of $50. Staff noted some fees are set by statute and therefore not discretionary.
On legal support for zoning enforcement, county attorney Don Kohhanic outlined three options: rely on the prosecuting attorney’s office (whose letterhead and involvement commonly prompt compliance), use county council (with travel costs from Lansing), or contract with an outside firm experienced in ordinance enforcement. Prosecuting Attorney Ladonna Schultz (not present in person but represented in discussion and by staff) indicated the office would consider taking on such cases; zoning and building staff recommended trying the prosecuting attorney’s office first for convenience and enforcement weight but said compensation terms and capacity need negotiation.
Separately, Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Bowers briefed the board on grant issues: an EMPG hazard mitigation grant of $45,500 that he said could not be pursued because of federal changes and other grants including the Ray public alerting program ($17,250) and an emergency preparedness expo scheduled for Aug. 23 at Shrine Elementary.
No votes on administrative policy changes or on a formal change in legal representation were recorded in the transcript; staff were asked to return with final contract/compensation proposals or formal draft policies as appropriate.
