Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the County Government topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mackinac County commissioners authorize tribe right-of-way, adopt veterans-resolution and approve shelter hires, bills and amendments
Summary
The Mackinac County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a right-of-way for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, adopted a resolution condemning misinformation about the Veterans Committee, hired two animal shelter employees and passed bills and two budget amendments at its Oct. 7 meeting.
The Mackinac County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 7 unanimously authorized a right-of-way across county property to provide legal access to a parcel owned by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, adopted a resolution condemning the spread of misinformation about the County Veterans Committee, and approved two hires at the county animal shelter.
The board voted to approve the tribe’s right-of-way request after a motion by Commissioner Austin Kimberling and a second from Commissioner John Kling; Commissioners Kimberling, Kling, Mike Patrick and Judy St. Louis-Scott voted yes, with Commissioner Daryl Schroeder absent. The meeting record shows no recorded opposing votes.
The board also adopted a resolution “condemning spread of misinformation undermining the work of the County Veterans Committee,” a motion moved by Commissioner Kling and seconded by Commissioner Kimberling that passed on the same roll‑call basis. Public commenters had raised related concerns: Victoria L. Burnett voiced worries about veterans’ privacy and compliance with HIPAA, and Dick Pershinske asked whether the county had received a notice from the Luce County prosecutor about a 2024 FOIA matter tied to an Open Meetings Act question; those comments were recorded in public comment but did not produce a separate board action during the meeting.
On personnel, the board approved hiring Marie Keyser to a full‑time animal shelter position and Alicia Schwab to a part‑time shelter position after the Animal Shelter Advisory Committee recommended the hires. Diane Keighley, a committee member, thanked the board for support and said the shelter has seen increased adoptions and donations: “They have made some great changes so far,” Keighley said. Committee chair Lester Livermore later thanked the board for support.
Finance items approved included regular bills totaling $86,085.53 and additional bills totaling $279,852.76. The board also adopted budget amendments #2025‑32 and #2025‑33; all votes on these items were recorded as yes by the four present commissioners, with Schroeder absent.
The meeting opened at 4:30 p.m. and adjourned at 5:27 p.m.
