Oscoda County approves 2025 budget, authorizes equipment purchases and staffing actions

The Oscoda County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 26, 2024 approved the county’s 2025 proposed General Fund budget of $6,913,184.09 and scheduled a public hearing on Dec. 17 to adopt the budget.

The approval came during a meeting at the Oscoda County Government Center in Mio, where the five commissioners voted unanimously on a package of motions covering personnel, capital purchases and intra-county transfers. Commissioner Libby Marsh moved to approve the proposed budgets and Commissioner Ted Handrich seconded; the board carried the motion 5–0.

The board acknowledged the resignation of Court Administrator Brenna Kirkpatrick, effective Dec. 31, 2024, and authorized advertising and hiring for the position as a full-time non-union role with a $56,000 starting salary (Motions 2024-303 and 2024-304). Commissioner Jackie Bondar moved to acknowledge the resignation and Marsh moved to authorize the hire; both motions passed unanimously.

Financial actions included two transfers from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund (DTRF). The board moved $20,000 from a restricted DTRF account to the General Fund to cover foreclosure administration costs (Motion 2024-305) and moved $139,900 (described as interest and admin fees collected in 2022) from the DTRF to the General Fund to help balance the 2024 budget (Motion 2024-306); both motions passed on roll call votes with all five commissioners voting yes.

The board approved several facility and equipment purchases. Maintenance Supervisor Rick Burton’s recommendations included approving automatic door openers from Frank’s Key & Lock Shop Inc. for $6,484.78 (Motion 2024-308), authorizing purchase of a vehicle in a price range of $19,000 to $42,000 (Motion 2024-309), and approving a plow system quoted between $8,000 and $9,200 (Motion 2024-310). The board also approved a one-year Cummins generator maintenance agreement for $1,007.69 (Motion 2024-311).

Emergency medical services received board approval to enter an agreement with Stryker for three LUCAS 3 devices totaling $45,578.06, with payment deferred to the 2025 calendar year and charged to the AMB NEW CAPITAL OVER $5K budget line (Motion 2024-312). Parks Manager Jimmy Vance’s request to purchase a hot water heater not to exceed $5,500 was approved (Motion 2024-313), and Payroll Specialist Jenny Cronkright’s recommended $1,200 Payroll Time Clock software enhancement through Harris was approved (Motion 2024-314).

During public comment, AJ Welser identified himself as Director of Veterans Affairs and briefly addressed a recent county computer incident and his veteran-assistance efforts. Frank Beek, a Veterans Affairs board member, urged the board to support veterans and said, “My heart aches for the situation that we are currently dealing with.” The board chair responded that personnel matters are confidential where appropriate.

Commissioner Tom McCauley reported two upcoming Oscoda County Library board vacancies; Dawn Stenzel submitted a letter of intent for reappointment and Michael Benefiel indicated he will not seek another term. The board said it will consider appointments at the Dec. 10, 2024 meeting after advertising the vacancies.

The meeting included presentation of the October 2024 expenditure report and the Claims and Audit Docket of $26,431.76, which the board approved by roll call. The meeting recessed at 11:00 a.m., reconvened at 11:07 a.m., and adjourned at 2:32 p.m.; the next regular meeting was scheduled for Dec. 10, 2024 with teleconference and Zoom access instructions provided.