Eaton County officials outline $28.2M six‑year capital shortfall for facilities and technology

County staff presented an updated capital improvement plan to the Ways & Means Committee that lists roughly $16.2 million in county facility needs and $12.0 million for technology infrastructure over the next six years, for a combined projected investment of about $28.2 million.

Ben, a senior county staff presenter, summarized the plan’s numbers and tradeoffs and told commissioners the package is intended to inform decisions rather than authorize spending immediately. "Combined, we are estimating, 28,200,000 of investment over the next 6 years necessary for technology facilities and security modifications," he said. The document segments projects into ongoing maintenance and capital items over $25,000 and indicates the county has been deferring work that is now accumulating into larger costs.

Presenters said the largest near‑term drivers are aging courthouse systems and 24‑hour facilities such as the jail and youth center. Facilities director Chad Powers explained the county’s small in‑house maintenance crew struggles to cover 13–14 buildings and warned that replacing staff with contractors often raises costs. Staff recommended commissioners weigh bond options and grant opportunities before choosing deep cuts to capital programs.

The committee asked staff to return with further breakdowns, footnotes on ‘‘other’’ line items and options for phasing projects; commissioners were told additional policy documents (fund balance, debt policy) will be included in materials for future bonding decisions and for presentation to rating agencies.