Administrator reports grant change for materials plan, preliminary talks on county housing study and museum support

Nathan, the county administrator, updated commissioners on several staff items. He said the multicounty materials management plan—previously described as carrying upfront grant dollars—was clarified on a recent state call as a reimbursable grant, requiring counties to spend funds first and then seek reimbursement; that change prompted pushback from several counties on the call. Nathan described the change as disappointing because counties must have seed money to incur reimbursable expenses.

He also described preliminary discussions with municipal managers and the county’s economic development staff about pursuing a housing study to assess housing stock and any deficiencies. The administrator said the study could help the county and municipalities leverage grant dollars for future development if the study demonstrates need; officials still need to determine feasibility and funding sources.

Nathan said the Port Sanac Museum has asked the county for a letter of support to pursue a grant for electrical, renovation and ADA improvements; he said he and at least one commissioner would write letters of support. He also updated the board on the Foster & Swift appeal related to Public Act 233: a stay was denied but the court granted consideration and intervention, meaning the statutory provisions remain effective while the appeal proceeds.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about grant timing and next steps; Nathan said staff will follow up on funding details and report back to the board as the housing‑study option develops. No formal votes were taken on the housing study or museum support beyond the administrator’s offer to write letters of support.