Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Oscoda County board approves budget amendments, appointments and financed ambulance purchase
Summary
At its July 23 meeting, the Oscoda County Board of Commissioners approved the agenda and consent calendar, made multiple appointments, amended several budget lines, authorized park and EMS purchases and approved a county share for a firefighters grant writer fee.
The Oscoda County Board of Commissioners met July 23 in Mio and by teleconference and approved a slate of routine and financial actions, including the purchase of a new ambulance to replace a damaged unit.
The board voted to approve the meeting agenda and the consent calendar, which included Trial Court budget amendments (a $2,000 increase to appellate assignment and $1,000 to interpreter fees), a $350 transfer to cover telephone costs, and a reversal of a $79.18 Historical Commission insurance amendment. The clerk also presented the June 2024 expenditures, with a grand total listed at $2,083,615.30.
Several personnel and appointment items carried on unanimous roll calls. The board authorized Rene Welser, the board’s executive secretary, to work up to 10 hours per month to assist with EDC payments and reporting through Sept. 30, 2024 (motion Bondar/McCauley). Commissioners appointed Susan Avery as the county’s Interlocal Agreement representative for materials-management planning, with Michelle Knepp named as alternate. The board acknowledged the resignation of Steven Gusler from the Board of Canvassers and appointed Sherry Merrigan to fill the seat through Dec. 31, 2026.
On personnel, the board acknowledged the termination of Deputy Robert Huckestein, effective June 12, 2024.
Financial actions included the board approving a one‑sixth share ($83.33) of the fee to write for an Assistance to Firefighters Grant to Mentor Township; the payment will come from the Ambulance Equip Non‑Capital budget. The board also authorized Clearwater Drilling to replace an existing well at the county park for $18,600, to be paid from the park equipment repair/maintenance line.
The board authorized EMS Director Robert Stankiewicz and Commissioner Libby Marsh to sign a purchase agreement for a new ambulance priced at $256,000, with a $70,000 down payment and a $186,000 balance to be financed through Huntington Bank at an interest rate of 4.88% (motion McCauley/Bondar). The motion passed on roll call.
A request from County Clerk Ann Galbraith for approximately 15 additional hours to train for elections and new payroll software was discussed; Commissioner Marsh abstained and the board made no motion to approve the request.
The meeting adjourned at 11:22 a.m.; the next regular meeting is set for Aug. 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. in the Boardroom and by teleconference/Zoom.
