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Oscoda County board approves hires, budget tweaks, contracts and courthouse security purchase
Summary
At its Sept. 24 meeting the Oscoda County Board of Commissioners approved a slate of personnel actions, budget amendments and contract renewals, including hiring three staffers, authorizing a $7,145 walk‑through metal detector for the Courthouse Annex, and renewing several service agreements.
The Oscoda County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 24 approved multiple personnel hires and budget amendments, authorized equipment purchases and renewed service agreements at a public meeting in Mio.
The board acknowledged the hiring of Elizabeth Reed as a full‑time Central Filing Clerk in the court office, effective Sept. 16, at a starting wage of $18.59 per hour and eligible for county benefits. It also approved part‑time and overtime arrangements for court staff: Trial Court Specialist Sherry Fleszar and Magistrate Shannon Wickham were authorized to receive an additional five compensated hours per week (up to a 40‑hour workweek), with the arrangements to be re‑assessed by Dec. 31, 2024. The board recognized the hiring of Allison Herrell as a part‑time administrative assistant for the sheriff’s office at $15.00 per hour; that position is not eligible for county benefits.
The board moved several budget amendments tied to courthouse grounds, fairgrounds and trial court equipment and approved the claims and audit docket in the amount of $123,002.44. To address courthouse security the board approved purchase of a walk‑through metal detector for the Courthouse Annex at a cost of $7,145 to be paid from the court’s New Equipment (Cap Over 5K) budget line (101‑130‑977.00).
On county asset management and airport matters, commissioners authorized disposal of a 1993 Ford dump truck (VIN 1FDYK90T7PVA33890) with proceeds to the airport fund and allowed Staff to release title. The board also authorized Assistant Airport Manager Brian Smutek to obtain quotes for a shelter for snow removal equipment at the Dennis Kauffman Memorial Airport. Separately, Mr. Steve Cowie was authorized to purchase a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado (VIN Igcec14v0ye359405) for $250, with the buyer required to remit the value of remaining scrap metal to the county.
Commissioners approved intergovernmental and service agreements including renewal of the AuSable Valley Community Mental Health lease (Oct. 1, 2024–Sept. 30, 2025), renewal of the MIDC Attorney Administrator agreement and the reappointment of Attorney William Pfeiffer for the same period, renewal of the Northeast Michigan Regional Public Defender Office agreement, and renewal of YEO & YEO Technology support (including Fortinet firewall) for Oct. 7, 2024–Oct. 7, 2025.
The board also acted on the Trial Court budget to accommodate a salary increase for judges following guidance from the Michigan Supreme Court and Public Act 31 of 2016, increasing the Probate Judge budget line by $2,168.10 effective Oct. 1, 2024.
In non‑voting business, the board tabled a resident’s request to salvage two cell doors and frames from the old sheriff’s department pending contractor input. Sheriff Grace introduced Deputy Strong, a recent graduate of the Detroit police academy, and reported that an inmate move to Roscommon County began Sept. 23, 2024. Clerk Ann Galbraith reported current write‑in candidates for several county offices. Commissioners delivered routine committee reports and the meeting adjourned at noon; the next regular meeting is scheduled for Oct. 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Oscoda County Community Center.
Votes at a glance: 2024‑249 approve agenda (McCauley/Bondar) — carried 5–0; 2024‑250 consent calendar — carried 5–0; 2024‑251 acknowledge hiring of Elizabeth Reed — carried 5–0; 2024‑252 authorize extended hours for Sherry Fleszar — carried 5–0; 2024‑253 authorize extended hours for Shannon Wickham — carried 5–0; 2024‑254 acknowledge hiring of Allison Herrell — carried 5–0; 2024‑255 authorize disposal of airport dump truck — carried 5–0; 2024‑256 authorize obtaining quotes for airport shelter — carried 5–0; 2024‑257 authorize sale of 2000 Chevrolet Silverado to Steve Cowie — carried 5–0; 2024‑258 approve Montmorency‑Oscoda‑Alpena Solid Waste Financial Assurance documentation (contingent on other counties) — carried 5–0; 2024‑259 increase Probate Judge budget line per Michigan Supreme Court/Public Act 31 of 2016 — carried 5–0; 2024‑260 approve purchase of walk‑through metal detector ($7,145) — carried 5–0; 2024‑261 renew AuSable Valley CMHA lease — carried 5–0; 2024‑263 renew MIDC agreement and reappoint William Pfeiffer — carried 5–0; 2024‑264 renew regional public defender agreement — carried 5–0; 2024‑265 renew YEO & YEO Technology support — carried 5–0; 2024‑266 adjourn — carried 5–0.
(Next meeting: Oct. 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., Oscoda County Community Center.)
