Montmorency County board approves claims, passes foreclosure-protection resolution and funds Avalon Lake survey

The Montmorency County Board of Commissioners completed several routine and substantive actions at its March 26, 2026 meeting, approving claims and passing a resolution aimed at protecting homeowners during mortgage foreclosure proceedings.

The board approved claims for March 13–26, 2026 with the clerk reporting: "Claims: $42,782.53; EFT'S: $61,094.79; Desk: $18,987.12; Total: $122,864.44." The minutes of March 12, 2026 were approved with a correction adding Commissioner James Madison to a committee reassignment motion. Commissioners approved a motion to table the MCCOA millage renewal language. Commissioner Mary Hardies moved to table the MCCOA request; the motion passed 5–0.

On legislation, the board unanimously passed Resolution #2026-07 supporting House Bills 5152 and 5153. The resolution—moved by Commissioner Bob DeVriendt and seconded by Commissioner Lloyd Peltier—says the bills would make a mortgagor's right to surplus money and right of redemption non-assignable and require a plain-English "Notice of Rights" for conveyances after a foreclosure notice is recorded. The resolution was adopted by roll call (Yeas: 5; Nays: 0).

The board also approved a grant request for Avalon Lake invasive-species efforts. Judy Nichols, secretary of the Avalon Lake Property Owners Association, asked the board to fund public liability insurance and a bi-annual survey; Commissioner Mary Hardies moved and Commissioner James Madison seconded a motion "to utilize the funds from the Invasive Species for the public liability insurance and the bi-annual survey but not to exceed $2000.00." The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 10:04 a.m. Minutes were prepared by County Clerk Cheryl A. Neilsen.