Monroe County Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 21, 2026 covered a community corrections program update and grant, routine finance items, a contentious debate and tabling of a museum expansion/renovation plan with an alternate financing proposal, several grant acceptances, a sheriff vehicle appropriation, SRO supervision arrangements, and a county clerk staffing update.
Discussion Points
•Accounting requires assets to be recognized in the year received; advance prevents a 2027 overspend.
•Administrator presented alternate financing to cover a shortfall (museum millage commitment + DTRF advance).
•Concerns about cost-per-square-foot, parking, participation and potential overruns were raised.
•Consent agenda approvals and grant acceptance items listed.
•Contracts and budget details must be memorialized; one district required additional review.
•Estimated savings of $7,000–$9,000 by taking delivery this year; interior equipment compatibility avoids $100,000 in refit costs.
•Low recidivism reported (~3% within 12 months).
•Medical marijuana oversight grant requires no local match; veterans grant has a small non-allowable insurance cost to be locally covered.
•Museum trustees argued economic and cultural benefits and outreach investments.
•Need for continued state-level advocacy for PA 511 funding.
Monroe County - Board of Commissioners Minutes - 10/20/2026
Monroe County Board of Commissioners held its Oct. 20, 2026 regular meeting; commissioners approved several grants and appropriations, tabled the Museum Expansion/Renovation project pending further budget review, and authorized the sheriff to pursue stakeholder engagement on the School Resource Officer supervisor position.
Discussion Points
•Administrator Bosanac presented recommendation and alternate financing plan.
•Administrator Bosanac recommended finance office be authorized to appropriate additional funds temporarily.
•Board approved acceptance and directed inclusion of insurance costs across budgets.
•Board approved application and acceptance with no local match.
•Board approved appropriation on roll-call vote.
•Commissioners expressed concern about fiscal timing and potential cost increases.
•Coordinator Holly Flint described program details and answered questions.
•Grant amount and period clarified; insurance cost not allowed by grant identified.
•Health Department requested approval to apply for LARA grant.
•Sheriff requested appropriation to purchase six police vehicles.
•Sheriff requested more time and stakeholder engagement for SRO Supervisor position.
Decisions
•Application approved; board authorized acceptance if awarded.
•Appropriation approved; procurement authorized.
•Authorization granted; no specific dollar amount approved at meeting.
•Grant accepted; local insurance expense to be covered by county budgets.
•Grant accepted; matching funds to be allocated across 2026 and 2027 budgets.
•Project tabled; no contractor selected.
Directions
•Accept the grant, place communication on file, include 25% local match in 2026 and 75% in 2027.
•Cover $228.82 from 2026 budget and request $747.87 in 2027 budget.
•Health Department to submit application and manage award if received.
•Place communication on file.
•Revisit the project after the county’s budget session; administration to provide additional fiscal detail.
•Sheriff’s office authorized to proceed with procurement.
•Sheriff to engage stakeholders; finance office to make temporary appropriations while contracts remain in place.
Monroe County board received updates and approved routine financial and administrative items on Oct. 7, 2026, including a presentation and funding request for the Port of Monroe's container terminal, an annual report from the Monroe County Opportunity Program, and special drainage assessments. The board also accepted several grant awards and heard a public comment alleging an extortion-related complaint and possible Open Meetings Act concerns involving outside correspondence tied to local officials.
Discussion Points
•Commissioner Moore disputed the allegation, characterizing the letter as privately circulated and saying a signature on a private letter does not equal board action.
•Commissioners questioned dredging needs, vessel size limitations, and security aspects of a potential defense-related MOU.
•Commissioners questioned outreach distribution across ZIP codes and suggested festival/booth outreach.
•Commissioners requested the administration document transition progress and include updates in administrative reports to maintain momentum and eligibility.
•Drain Commission role and reactive vs proactive work under state drain law.
•Easement widths and notice processes; coordination with farmers and contractors.
•Finance staff enumerated vendor lines such as inspections, hazardous waste collection, indigent tether services, ammunition for sheriff training, and drain projects.
•Grant approvals include a temporary position for public health preparedness and a substantial MIDC indigent defense award with county match.
•MCOP reported balanced finances and program outcomes for 2025.
•No public or commissioner questions beyond routine clarifications.
•Port Director described cargo diversification, economic returns per vessel, and relationships with federal/state funders.
•Public commenter alleged an extortion conspiracy complaint and OMA violation tied to a June 23, 2025 letter; he asked for explanation why signatures and use of titles made the correspondence public-body action.
Decisions
•All grant acceptance and submission motions approved by roll call.
•Board approved both the assessment report and the 50% apportionment.
•Board approved the $1.7 million request by roll call.
•Claims and consent agenda approved by roll call.
Directions
•Commissioners offered to talk with the commenter after the meeting; no formal referral or investigation was initiated during the meeting.
•County staff to track implementation plan and dredging schedule and report back to board.
•Drain Commission to proceed with levy placement and notify property owners; county staff to transmit resolution to Board of Road Commissioners.
•Finance to process approved claims and publish check registers.
•MCOP to continue strategic planning and outreach work; commissioners to share event opportunities with MCOP.
•Staff to include grant/transition progress in administrative reports and meet timelines for grant cycles.
Regular Monroe County Board of Commissioners meeting: presentations on the Monroe County Opportunity Program and Port of Monroe, approval of multiple grants and assessments, drainage report and apportionment, and a public comment alleging a FOIA-derived complaint naming commissioners.
Discussion Points
•Board asked how outreach reaches smaller ZIP codes; MCOP described food pantry network and senior advocacy as avenues.
•Commissioner Moore disputed the claim on the record, called it 'ridiculous', and invited private discussion.
•Commissioners asked about dredging constraints; port described advanced maintenance authority and planned Army Corps funding.
•Commissioners asked about farmer notification and easement width.
•Grant acceptance and county match amounts; need to track timing for potential model transition and future grant cycles.
•Grant submission and temporary position dates and funding cap.
•MCOP described programs funded by county CDBG, opioid settlement funds, and COA (Commission on Aging) funds.
•No significant questions recorded beyond routine clarifications.
•No substantive objections in discussion.
•Port director outlined expected vessel call increases, prior investment returns, and partnerships with federal agencies and companies building autonomous vessels.
•Presentation included educational video about the drain commission’s role and Michigan drain code; Morris emphasized reactive vs. proactive work.
•Public commenter read FOIA document alleging Open Meetings Act violations and extortion conspiracy naming commissioners.
•Staff presented apportionment total; commissioners noted a verbal misstatement that was corrected by staff.
•Staff walked through selected vendors and services included in the register.
Decisions
•Board accepted the MIDC grant and requested follow-up reporting.
•Board adopted the 2026 apportionment report.
•Board approved the accounts payable register.
•Board approved the annual report and the 50% apportionment.
•Board authorized the grant submission and authorized a temporary position contingent on award.
•Commission approved $1.7M contribution to the container terminal project.
Directions
•Drain Commission to continue outreach and consider proactive maintenance strategies to limit future assessments.
•Finalize levy paperwork and proceed with levy actions.
•Include MIDC transition and status information in administrative reports so the board can monitor progress and deadlines.
•MCOP to incorporate outreach activities and ZIP-code breakdowns into strategic plan and follow up with commissioners who offered event contacts.
•No formal board action taken; commissioners advised private follow-up and documentation in administrative reports where relevant.
•Port to continue coordination with County Administrator and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; finalize MOUs and funding agreements.
•Staff to process payments and include vendor reconciliations in financial reports.
•Staff to submit application and return with implementation details on award.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners held its Sept. 16, 2026 meeting. Commissioners heard public comment and two written letters about the board's recent resolution on automated license-plate readers, approved multiple grants and accounts payable, voted to start an exploratory process to fund 17 additional sheriff's deputies, and took no action on a request for $75,000 in emergency funding for a local domestic-violence shelter.
Discussion Points
•Acceptance of several state grant awards and a UASI planning grant.
•Announcement of a Raisinville Township planning hearing on Sept. 21 for a utility-scale solar park.
•Approval of claims report and consent agenda.
•Assignment of ambulance service agreement to Emergent Health Partners.
•Board confirmed arrangement is fee-for-service and not county-subsidized.
•Commissioners asked about recruitment timelines, current vacancies, and reliance on state troopers.
•Commissioners continued to weigh legal precedent, privacy risks and local control.
•Commissioners sought documentation, audit status, and alternative funding sources.
•Concerns raised about committing to large payroll increases without CFO modeling.
•Presenter described operational need and a $75,000 bridge request to cover a grant-payment gap.
•Representative Brooks in the audience urged caution about calling ALPRs \u0018unconstitutional\u0019 and supported law enforcement use.
•Residents raised groundwater, sinkhole and pipeline safety concerns and urged public participation.
•Sheriff presented workload and response time data supporting 17 positions.
•Two letters read into record (Sept. 9, Sept. 15) argued opposing legal/process views.
Decisions
•Assignment approved unanimously.
•Board approved exploratory/budget-inclusion motion; no immediate appropriation.
•Board took no action tonight; postponed decision pending more information.
•Claims approved; grants accepted.
Directions
•Administrator/CFO to prepare budget scenarios and phased implementation plan.
•Finance to post payments; departments to incorporate grant budgets into '27 budget as needed.
•Legal/administrator to verify contract transfer paperwork and confirm any impacts on rates or service continuity.
•Shelter to return Oct. 6 with more information; administrator to research ARPA and other county options.
•Sheriff to return with cost breakdowns and partnership/grant possibilities.
Monroe County - Board of Commissioners Minutes - 09/15/2026
Monroe County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 15, 2026 approved several grant awards and routine payments, forwarded the sheriff's request for 17 additional deputies to the 2027/2028 budget process, approved assignment of the county ambulance contract to Emergent Health Partners, and declined to act on a Family Counseling funding request; public comments focused on agriculture and an upcoming solar-farm hearing.
Discussion Points
•Agricultural policy and funding topics raised by residents.
•Announcement of Raisinville Township solar-farm hearing (Sept. 21).
•Approval of large claims report and two check registers.
•Board authorized acceptance and CFO appropriation steps.
•Board debated process for considering staffing increases during budget planning.
•Commissioners defended transparency and the public sharing of constituent letters.
Monroe County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution to stop use of Flock Safety automated license‑plate readers and similar mass vehicle surveillance technologies after more than two hours of public comment. The board also approved 2026 millage rates (including a Fairview adjustment), several grants and appointments, and accepted a court ruling seating Dale Benicki as District 2 commissioner.
Discussion Points
•Accounts payable vendor highlights; Homeland Security grant uses (UASI region) include election protection, dive equipment, CERT training; stone garden grant period and no local match.
•Clarify Fairview millage change from 0.17 to 0.18 and revisit in six months; need to resend forms to state when amended.
•Court concluded Brandt was not a qualified elector on date to take office (01/01/2025) due to imprisonment; Benicki declared to take seat immediately.
•decisions:[
•directions':['Add position at no additional general‑fund cost for 2026; monitor implementation.'],
•directions':['Finance to manage grant compliance; staff to report back as required.'],
•Finance department understaffing and need for an ongoing fiscal manager; comparison with peer counties.
•Whether the resolution applies to drones and to any Flock‑vendor systems; concerns about county vs municipal jurisdiction; vendor data retention changes from 30 to 7 days; public safety tradeoffs vs constitutional privacy.
Decisions
•Approved 2026 millage forms including Fairview at 0.18 and scheduled six‑month review.
•Board approved creation of permanent fiscal manager position.
•Claims approved; grants accepted and applications authorized.
•Dale Benicki seated as District 2 commissioner, effective immediately.
•Resolution adopted; county to cease county participation in Flock and similar systems to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Directions
•Finance to manage grant compliance; staff to report back as required.
•Hire the fiscal manager and report back on implementation.
•Revisit Fairview performance and millage in six months.
•Staff to report back in 45 days on implementation and contracts.
Monroe County - Veterans Affairs Committee Minutes - 09/01/2026
The Monroe County Department of Veterans Affairs Committee approved $1,600 in burial benefits and $2,153.31 in emergency aid, approved prior minutes, and set the next meeting for Oct. 6, 2026.
Discussion Points
•Five burial benefit applications reviewed with itemized amounts and total requested/approved.
•Quorum established; minutes approved; meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
•Two emergency aid requests listed by name with itemized amounts; both recorded as approved.
Decisions
•Approved emergency aid totaling $2,153.31.
•Approved payments totaling $1,600 to five applicants.
•Approved prior minutes; adjourned meeting.
Directions
•Next meeting scheduled for Oct. 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at 965 S. Raisinville Rd.
Monroe County - Board of Commissioners Minutes - 09/01/2026
At its Sept. 1, 2026 regular meeting, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution to terminate use of Flock Safety vehicle-surveillance cameras after extensive public comment. The board also approved millage and claims votes, accepted several grants and appointments, and scheduled follow-ups on finance and community corrections items.
Discussion Points
•Approval of claims and multiple grant awards and funding requests.
•Commissioners expressed both privacy concerns and support for law enforcement; several emphasized constitutional protections.
•Each funding item recorded with a motion and approved by roll call.
•Many public commenters urged termination of Flock Safety contracts and raised constitutional/privacy concerns.
•Motion amended to require a six‑month status update and approved.
•Presentation of recommended millage rates for Fairview Home by county officials.
•Public comment heavily opposed to Flock Safety cameras and urged termination; Sheriff Goodnough provided information during board Q&A.
•Reappointment of Tom Waldecker to CMHPSM Oversight Policy Board; appointment of three members to Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Panel.
•Suggestions included forming a citizen‑law enforcement committee and placing the matter on a ballot.
Decisions
•Adopted resolution terminating Flock Safety camera use; no implementation timeline specified in the minutes.
•Approved $934,010.67 in claims and accepted multiple grants and funding requests totaling $502,329.
•Approved Fairview Home winter millage rate (.1800) and authorized signature on Form L4029.
•Confirmed reappointment and accepted recommended appointments as recorded.
Directions
•Departments authorized to accept grants; standard reporting and processing implied.
•Staff to return with a status update in six months.
Monroe County - Board of Commissioners Minutes - 08/18/2026
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners met Aug. 18, 2026, hearing public support for Fairview services, receiving a Sixth Amendment Center report that prompted a motion to seek MIDC funding for indigent defense reform, approving routine finance items including $1.62M in claims, and advancing several grant applications and policy changes for further consideration.
Discussion Points
•Bosanac and Kohler Architecture presented contractor and financing options; commissioners had questions about financing plans.
•Commissioners Lievens and Heinzerling drafted a resolution to affirm constitutional privacy and terminate use of certain vehicle surveillance technologies.
•Grant amount, covered period, and insurance obligation explained.
•Grant award amount and match requirements explained; budgeting plan across 2026 and 2027 discussed.
•Judge Brown provided information on policy change; commissioners discussed security implications.
•Motion to approve claims was made and passed.
•Public commenters emphasized Fairview’s role in housing stability, mental health partnership, and emergency food continuity.
•Sixth Amendment Center presenters summarized nine takeaways and answered commissioner questions.
•Staff recommended millage rates; Jason Aaron provided handouts outlining proposed changes at Fairview.
Decisions
•Application/acceptance authorized.
•Board approved submission of the application.
•Claims approved.
•Motion to pursue MIDC grant funding approved.
•No final millage adoption recorded at the meeting.
•No vote at Aug. 18 meeting; item to be added to a future agenda.
•Policy #700 amended to allow local bar non-secure access.
•Tabled to September meeting.
Directions
•Board authorized staff to pursue MIDC grant funding and prepare subsequent materials for board consideration.
•Implement amended policy and update courthouse procedures.
•Include small insurance cost in county budget as noted.
•Item tabled to Sept. 15 for further consideration.
•Place the resolution on the Sept. 1, 2026 agenda for full board consideration.
•Proceed with application and budget planning for match.
Monroe County Board of Commissioners met August 19, 2026; commissioners approved routine claims and several grants, voted to seek MIDC grant funding to pursue a hybrid public defender delivery model after a Sixth Amendment Center feasibility presentation, tabled museum expansion financing decisions to Sept. 15, and heard updates on Fairview shelter operations and community support.
Discussion Points
•6AC findings: excessive caseloads, lack of investigators, weak billing oversight.
•Admission criteria require proof of disability; commissioners noted documentation burdens for applicants.
•Census data and capacity (2025 average 14; Aug.18, 2026 census 28 of 36 capacity).
•Claims report vendor highlights.
•Concerns over cost escalation from original ~$8M estimate toward $10–11.5M and contractor oversight.
•Local bar requested limited bypass of weapons screening for vetted attorneys.
•MIDC application requires a compliance plan and cost analysis; process is iterative and phased.
•Policy includes waiver, ID card issuance, and revocation authority held by chief judges and security officers.
•Project site constraints and parking issues noted.
•Questions about policies for residents who continue substance use and preventing early discharge without safe housing.
•Sample budget and office-space needs discussed; 6AC used a sample ~8,000 sq ft figure.
•Sheriff explained secondary road patrol grant does not fund camera purchases and supports patrol and equipment.
•Three financing options: general fund reserves, delinquent tax revolving fund (~$12M surplus), or mixed approach.
•Veterans grant requires small local match for insurance costs.
Decisions
•Board approved policy amendment.
•Board voted to seek MIDC grant funding to pursue hybrid indigent defense model.
•Claims report payment approved; grant applications authorized.
•Motion to table for Sept. 15 passed.
Directions
•Administrator to work with MIDC senior staff on compliance plan; include updates in administrator report.
•Fairview to provide a mid‑term status update in coming months.
•Fairview to review and potentially revise intake and admission policies; pursue grants and partnerships for stabilization.
•Include required matches in upcoming budgets.
•Staff to prepare additional financing detail, contractor oversight assurances, and parking analysis before Sept. 15 meeting.
•Submit amendment to state court administrator and implement ID issuance process.
Monroe County - Board of Commissioners Minutes - 08/04/2026
Monroe County Board of Commissioners approved routine payments and several budget and personnel actions, accepted multiple grant applications, considered revisions to retirement-related governing documents with some commissioners expressing concern, and held two attorney-client closed sessions.
Discussion Points
•Board approved two months not to exceed $30,000
•Board asked for follow-up exploring school system collaboration
•Board voted in open session to follow counsel recommendations for both matters
•Bosanac discussed a Business View Magazine article featuring Monroe County
•Chairman transmitted appointments
•Chairman Vensel announced an upcoming presentation by a named center (transcript spelling flagged)
•Commissioner Asper asked about special rate for keeping property as farmland; Planner Simmons explained consistency with previous requests
•Commissioner Asper asked whether posting occurred; chairman confirmed it was posted countywide
•Commissioner Asper uncomfortable with adoption
•CPLR grant: $100,000 with no county match
•Crime Victim Rights grant: $216,334 with approx. $91,718.66 total match, $22,929.67 in 2026, $68,788.99 requested in 2027
•Funding: $46,622 reimbursed revenue; $52,000 from contingency
•Grodi reported an $8.5M Economic Development Corp. award for sewer expansion and thanked the board for a $3.75M allocation
•Michael Grodi and other retirement-system representatives provided rationale
•No items pulled from the claims report or check registers for separate discussion.
•Original funding request $74,747
•Questions from Commissioner Moore about specific language changes
•Requested increase: $98,622
•Tom Graham said he reviewed but is not a trust specialist
•Two closed sessions invoked under Michigan statutory exceptions for privileged attorney-client communications
Decisions
•Appointments approved by roll call.
•Board approved both grant applications and acceptance.
•Both trust and ordinance revisions adopted as presented.
•Claims report and check registers approved.
•Election budget increase approved.
•Follow counsel recommendations on both closed-session matters.
•Planner recommendation submitted to Ida Township Board.
•Temporary funding approved; follow-up required.
Directions
•Staff/Sheriff to return with collaborative funding options
Monroe County - Veterans Affairs Committee Minutes - 08/04/2026
Monroe County Veterans Affairs Committee met Aug. 4, 2026, approved minutes and three financial requests including $700 in burial benefits and $1,381.55 in emergency aid, heard a staff departure notice, and set the next meeting for Sept. 1, 2026.
Discussion Points
•Burial benefit requests for applicants Lambert and Shaw were presented and approved.
•Communication that Abby Yingling has left to take a VA position in Ohio.
•Emergency aid request for Blancarte presented and approved.
•Minutes approved; committee handled new business and adjourned.
Decisions
•Approve burial benefits totaling $700 ($350 each to Lambert and Shaw).
•Approve emergency aid request for $1,381.55.
•Approve previous minutes; adjourn meeting; schedule next meeting for Sept. 1, 2026.
Monroe County Board of Commissioners met to approve routine finance items, consider revisions to the retiree healthcare trust agreement and pension board ordinance, approve temporary funding for a school resource officer sergeant, add a grant-writer position to the 2027 budget, and approve several grants and appointments.
Discussion Points
•Attorney and auditors explained deletions that removed conflicting exclusive-authority language and aligned governance with Michigan Public Act 314.
•Board opted for short-term funding while seeking shared support from school districts or grants.
•Change moves repayment deadline for service credit to 'prior to separation or retirement' to aid recruitment and rehire.
•Clerk reported that early-voting volumes rose with nine days of early voting increasing ballot production needs.
•Concerns raised that policy revisions should not be used to address one-off personnel requests.
•County actuary reported no impact on current actuarial valuation.
•Expect evaluation after 12 months to determine cost-effectiveness.
•Farmland preservation program explained as tax-credit style preservation with varied term lengths.
•ISD ceased funding for sergeant after retirement and rehiring of incumbent as ISD security director.
•Judge/Clerk and prosecutor's office presented grant applications and match requirements.
•Opponents raised concerns about reducing direct oversight by elected commissioners and the role of unelected appointees.
•Position grade 12 with starting salary $65,000 and top step $78,000.
•Proposal expands trustee board from five to seven to include representatives of the road commission and community mental health due to their stake in the fund.
•Role will support department heads and centralize grant strategy and application processes.
•Sheriff's office outlined sergeant's supervisory role for 12 SROs and countywide preparedness responsibilities.
Monroe County Board of Commissioners met in regular session to approve accounts payable and multiple court grant submissions, accept an audit corrective action plan, confirm a mental health authority appointment, hear agricultural and citizen comments, and move into a closed session before adjourning.
Discussion Points
•A commissioner noted the commenter’s affiliation with Indivisible and urged context be considered.
•Appointment recommended by mental health authority chairperson and presented by clerk.
•Berkey summarized a June 26 Supreme Court decision regarding FIFRA preemption of some state claims.
•Clerk read letters; motions to confirm submission were made and supported.
•Commissioners asked a clarifying question about vendor page number and vendor numbers.
•Each grant required small local contributions and potential additional 2026 appropriations.
•Finance staff reviewed vendors and explained a $75,000 administrative reimbursement for labor and equipment.
•Four overspends due to invoice timing; one overstatement due to receivable classification.
•He noted wildfire smoke patterns and a cautiously bullish market outlook for the second half of the year.
•No questions or objections recorded.
•Resident alleged First District Court found former commissioner responsible for two Whiteford Township ordinance violations and may be in breach of parole conditions.
•Staff corrected the $700,000 receivable error and updated procedures.
Decisions
•Approve corrective action plan submission.
•Approve the appointment as presented.
•Approve two accounts payable reports and enter payments into county records.
•Board will consider scheduling Berkey's ag reports as a recurring presentation.
•Confirm grant submissions for all listed court programs.
•No formal board action recorded on the allegations.
Directions
•Finance will file the corrective action plan with the Michigan Department of Treasury.
•Include local contributions and any small 2026 appropriations in county budgeting as noted.
Monroe County - Board of Commissioners Minutes - 07/21/2026
Monroe County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on July 21, 2026, approving several large vendor claims, accepting grant applications for multiple court treatment programs, confirming an appointment to the Community Mental Health Authority, and moving into a closed session on an employment matter.
Discussion Points
•Appointment recommended by Mental Health Authority chair and accepted by Board.
•Board authorized small local contributions and appropriations for 2026 and asked administrators to include balances in the 2027 budget when requested.
•Board moved closed session to end of agenda earlier in the meeting to allow audience presence for public business.
•Board reviewed and confirmed two Accounts Payable reports totaling $3,948,440.88.
•Closed session held under statute for privileged legal advice on an employment matter.
•Commissioner Asper suggested reviewing bylaws on appointments.
•Commissioner Lievens proposed a recurring agenda slot for the updates; Birkey declined.
•Concerns raised about data-center noise impacts on livestock and carbon sequestration.
•Emergency Management requested acceptance of $4,632 in additional UASI funds.
•Judges and court representatives requested authorization to submit grants to the State Court Administrative Office.
•Mr. Birkey summarized pest, crop projection and related issues.
•Mr. Bosanac confirmed the pension/retiree health care trust reports had been filed electronically with the Michigan Department of Treasury prior to the meeting.
•Ms. Maier provided corrective action details and answered commissioners' questions.
Decisions
•Approved both Accounts Payable reports by roll-call vote.
•Board accepted the additional funding.
•Board accepted the corrective action plan and acknowledged the Treasury filings.
•Board approved submission of four grant applications totaling $368,670.68.
•Board entered closed session; minutes do not disclose content.
•Nanette McCloud appointed for a term through March 31, 2028.
•No change to the agenda was made at this meeting.
•No formal action taken at this meeting.
Directions
•County Administrator/CFO authorized to provide small appropriations where required.
•Place corrective action plan and related reports on file.
Monroe County - Commission on Aging Minutes - 07/08/2026
Monroe County Commission on Aging on July 8, 2026 approved several local program funding requests, revised units and rates for the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, denied a Whiteford Township senior center building application, and heard presentations from Frenchtown Senior Citizen Center and the Monroe Family YMCA.
Discussion Points
•Application to fund new Whiteford Township senior activity center building.
•Distribution of program participation handouts; equipment purchase using grant funds; SilverSneakers certification not approved.
•Public suggestion for a combined facility serving both townships.
•Request for $3,600 to provide wellness and safety checks for 2026.
•Request to expend up to $1,750 for postcards and postage for Ash and Berlin Township outreach.
•Revision of RSVP units and unit rate; retroactive effective date of June 1, 2026.
•YMCA expansion into Whiteford in 2027; directors' report metrics including Project Ramp waitlist and website views.
Decisions
•Application not approved
•Board approved funding revision and directed staff to implement.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners met June 16, 2026. Business included approval of claims and minutes, a public comment from local farmer Ned Berkey, a tribute to retiring probation director Stephanie Pride, progress and safety discussion on the Monroe Loop Trail, the Commission on Aging annual report, a museum expansion bid update (bids came in about $3 million over estimate), creation of a grant-writer study, several routine votes including reappointment of the medical examiner, and direction to bargaining team recommendations.
Discussion Points
•Action to have Jason Berry study and return with specifics.
•Bedford Health Van expanded nonmedical rides; commissioners asked for a central phone number for transportation services.
•Bids exceeded independent estimate by about $3,000,000.
•Commissioners asked clarifying questions on specific vouchers (PlayCorp items and 'baseline equity' voucher).
•Finance staff highlighted several vendors and contract items in the claims report.
•Financing plan must be revised; museum fund balance could be used but commissioners expressed concern about relying solely on the millage.
•Motion to reappoint Dr. Carl Schmidt for a four-year term presented and seconded.
•No formal action taken; staff will continue coordination and install notices.
•No objections recorded at the roll-call vote.
•Outreach activities included postcards to 3,079 households and partnerships with local food pantries and transportation providers.
•Project at ~93% completion; remaining work concentrated around 7th Street and a railroad crossing.
•Proposal for a centralized grant-writer to increase county grant revenue.
•Questions about salary range and potential duplication with existing staff.
•Residents raised pedestrian/cyclist safety concerns at access points and crossings.
•Senior millage reached 8,546 unduplicated residents and funded 32 programs and 19 agencies.
•Staff agreed to provide follow-up email clarifications.
•Staff emphasized adherence to AASHTO and MDOT standards and proposed additional signage.
•Staff will hold meetings with three low bidders to identify cost reductions without diminishing scope.
Decisions
•Board approved sending the item to Jason Berry for study; no hiring decision made.
•Board directed staff to pursue bidder discussions and return with recommendation; no award made.
•Claims report and check registers approved.
•Reappointment approved and resolution adopted.
Directions
•County staff to provide a central transportation phone number and continue outreach.
•Finance staff to email clarifications requested by commissioners.
•Install additional notices on existing signposts; coordinate weekly with railroad; observe user behavior to determine needed changes.
•Jason Berry to prepare job description, salary ranges, and scope recommendations.
•Staff to meet bidders and prepare revised financing plan and recommendation.
Monroe County - Board of Commissioners Minutes - 06/16/2026
Monroe County Board of Commissioners met June 16, 2026 in the City of Monroe. Commissioners heard presentations on the Monroe Loop Trail and the Commission on Aging annual report, approved several routine and personnel actions including the four-year reappointment of the county medical examiner, authorized claims payments, directed staff to research a grant-writer position, and went into closed session on collective bargaining.
Discussion Points
•Board went into closed session to discuss bargaining agreements.
•Commissioner Lievens requested the vote be taken before closed session to avoid delaying Ms. Dean and Dr. Schmidt.
•Commissioners asked for more information regarding different vendor payments.
•Confirmed screwworm cases and new invasive species reported.
•Engineer updated board on current phase and answered questions.
•Mr. Berry explained his annual report and answered the Commissioners questions.
•Ms. Maier agreed to provide detailed information the following morning.
•Need for grant writer, cost, and overlap with current job descriptions.
•No directive or action recorded in response to the public comment.
Decisions
•Claims approved
•Follow recommendations approved
•Reappointment approved
•Report accepted and placed on file
•Study directed; no hiring decision
Directions
•Board voted to follow bargaining team's recommendations.
•Finance to provide detailed vendor information
•Jason Berry to gather salary and job description information and present recommendations at the next meeting.
Monroe County - Commission on Aging Minutes - 06/10/2026
Monroe County Commission on Aging met June 10, 2026; the board heard a ConfirmOK pilot presentation from the sheriff, received a Lake Erie Transit ridership update, reviewed the 2028 senior millage funding application, approved the 2025 annual report, authorized outreach to 1,851 senior addresses, and reviewed agency performance metrics including a 35-person Project Ramp waitlist.
Discussion Points
•Board authorized outreach planning and solicitation of quotes for 1,851 identified senior addresses.
•LET presented a service pamphlet and said ridership is up this year.
•Mr. Berry reported Project Ramp waitlist of 35 seniors.
•Review and approval of 2025 Annual Report.
•Review of 2028 Senior Milage funding application; suggested edits by Grenawitzke.
•Sheriff Goodnough summarized ConfirmOK pilot results and urged county adoption.
•Staff presented Common Measures and website analytics (610 views; Transportation 146).
Decisions
•Annual report approved; outreach options to be pursued.
•Authorization to solicit outreach quotes was approved.
•Commission recommended submission of a funding application (no formal funding vote recorded).
•Staff authorized to continue work on application; no formal adoption recorded.
Directions
•Staff to explore outreach options (including paid newspaper posting) funded under outreach initiative.
•Staff to fund outreach actions (including possible newspaper publication) under outreach initiative if approved.
•Staff to obtain quotes and return with recommendations.
•Staff to prepare and submit funding application for ConfirmOK.
•Staff to update draft and bring to board of directors for input.
