Alpena County Board of Commissioners held a full board meeting on October 27, 2026; members approved routine budget adjustments and grant allocations, heard presentations from Thunder Bay Transportation and MSU Extension, adopted resolutions on Family Court Awareness Month and data-center planning guidance, and discussed an opioid-settlement matching opportunity.

Discussion Points

•Agency described fleet, recent ridership, new vehicles, software grant and service areas.
•Commissioner raised concern about contingency fund growth from $30,000 to $75,000.
•Commissioners asked about weekend service, church routing and Montgomery County hub plans.
•Commissioners voiced concerns about large data centers' potential water/glycol impacts and preferred a pause while planning occurred.
•Committee prioritized Meals on Wheels and senior center for full funding.
•Committee process outlined; contingency fund created to address missed applications and emergencies.
•Estimates of revenue from storage and fair‑week camping presented by the commenter.
•Extension delivered 151 programs and conducted on-farm research across 10+ farms.
•Program accepts LOIs monthly; match ratio varies by project.
•Questions about which structures and services the fairgrounds budget covers.
•Remaining funds were allocated across local agencies and programs.
•Social media reach used to promote classes and extension content.
•Staff found county options limited and recommended encouraging local units to adopt frameworks.
•Staff recommended submission of LOI using opioid fund balance as match.

Decisions

•Grant allocation approved
•LOI authorization approved
•Resolution adopted
•Youth & Recreation allocations approved

Directions

•Committee to continue evaluating contingency criteria.
•Post resolution on website and distribute copies.
•Steering committee to prepare LOI and confirm match amounts.

Oct

Courts & Public Safety Committee Meeting 10/19/2026

The Alpena County Courts and Public Safety Committee approved EMT tuition reimbursements, authorized purchase of a new ambulance, received updates on FEMA individual assistance and 911/text-to-911 capabilities, and approved public defender and assigned-counsel contracts. Committee members also reviewed hazard-mitigation planning and accepted routine monthly reports.

Discussion Points

•Assigned-counsel administrator hourly rate increases (e.g., $130 to $135) were disclosed and explained.
•Commissioner asked whether VA provided a relevant document; staff said none was received.
•County is participating in NextGen 911 mapping and routing upgrades.
•FEMA provided individual assistance to 78 residents totaling $264,913; 18 applications filed in-person during local FEMA office availability.
•One additional applicant remains pending and may be considered separately.
•Program provides $1,000 per certified EMT; four eligible recipients identified.
•Public defender grant total and county share decreased slightly due to caseload changes and statewide MIDC adjustments.
•Questions on resale/reuse of older units and specific component differences (power-load system, cots).
•Quoted price not to exceed $405,000; vendor requests 10% deposit per quote.
•Routine monthly metrics were presented for ambulance fund and medical examiner.
•Text-to-911 can supply a location link that helps responders locate callers within roughly 10 feet when used.
•Townships committed to host shelters; county staging trailers and generators tested at the airport.
•Vendor quoted $28,000 for hazard-mitigation-plan update with work Nov–Feb '28 and a three-payment schedule.
•Vendor selection justified by Sourcewell cooperative pricing and past purchases.

Decisions

•Committee approved ambulance purchase authorization.
•Committee approved reimbursements for four EMTs.
•Committee received and filed the dispatch/911 report.
•Committee received the hazard-mitigation update.
•Committee voted to approve and forward both agreements.
•Motion to receive and file the reports passed.

Directions

•Dispatch to continue public education about texting 911 and to return with NextGen milestones if relevant.
•Emergency management to continue coordination with townships on shelter locations.
•Finance to process reimbursements.
•Forward contracts to full board with documentation.
•Route vendor quote through finance for approval.
•Staff to provide final work-order drawings and procurement paperwork prior to finalizing payment.

Oct

Facilities Committee Meeting 10/21/2026

Alpena County commissioners held a routine meeting covering an airport operations report (including a bird-strike investigation), courthouse and parks maintenance and winterization plans, multiple fairgrounds items (a November fundraiser, dynamic-pricing concerns and a possible full lease request), park winter-access questions, routine facility reports and the manager's monthly update.

Discussion Points

•Airport exceeded 10,000 enplanements, up 744 year-to-date; retail jet sales increased by ~25,000 gallons.
•Arena reports noted seasonal revenue shift; recycling port showed only $7.20 for the month; fair board quarterly report dated June and not current.
•Constituent request to open Long Lake Park boat ramp during winter for snowmobile access; county historically did not plow parks year-round for single-week events due to equipment/staff limits.
•Courthouse renovation progress and contractor changes; AV battery lifecycle and parts availability; parks winterization and mapping plan.
•Equipment repairs included OEM hydraulic tank purchase for $900 and snowblower servicing; ACIP meeting with FAA on 29th for five-year projects.
•Fairboard\u0002s stated willingness to pursue a full lease only if it could lease all buildings; concerns about county needing certain buildings for maintenance, caretaker housing and animal control; ambiguity about lease compensation and responsibilities.
•Objection to dynamic pricing during fair week as unfair to families; uncertainty whether displayed rates result from dynamic pricing or reservation visibility when fully booked.
•Whether to charge admission or recover power costs; whether proceeds would be earmarked for grounds improvements.

Decisions

•Approve event with proceeds designated for grounds improvements.
•Defer policy change pending staff report.
•No immediate action; matter deferred for further study.
•Receive and file the listed reports.
•Receive and file the report.

Directions

•Parks staff and road commission to evaluate plowing, parking capacity, liability and permitting options and report back.
•Present ACIP project list to FAA on the 29th; report back with FAA guidance and approved projects.
•Request updated fairboard financials and verify the small recycling port receipt.
•Staff to coordinate logistics and clarify any rental or utility charges.
•Staff to gather more information and continue negotiations with the fairboard; commissioner will report back with additional details.
•Staff to investigate reservation system pricing behavior and whether dynamic pricing is applied when spots are pre-reserved for fair and 4-H.
•Staff to obtain pricing comparisons and bring recommendations to next meeting.

Oct

Finance, Ways & Means Committee Meeting 10/13/2026

Alpena County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting that approved routine bills and budget adjustments, authorized several grant applications and spending line-item increases, allocated opioid settlement funds to three local organizations, discussed disposal of an incident command truck, and adopted a proclamation designating October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Discussion Points

•Applicant explained $5,000 request and plan to seek additional grants for any shortfall.
•Commissioners asked about the invoice breakdown and timing; treasurer recommended the line number.
•Enforcement issues listed: excessive speed, reckless driving, lack of helmets, no lights, expired registration, no trail permits.
•Finance presenter reported reserved funds of $268,014, an unrestricted balance of $4,284,001.34, and an ending fund balance of about $5,000,002.99.
•Freedom Recovery reduced its request from $45,000 to $30,000 after receiving other grant funding.
•Possible recipients: Frederick Township Fire Department; options include auction, donation, or stripping for parts.
•Presenter explained grant allows reimbursement for expert witness fees and to support a part‑time prosecutor; unused funds to be returned.
•Presenter explained ORV and snowmobile enforcement funding; questioners asked about how DNR grant amounts are determined and typical enforcement issues.
•Presenter read the resolution language and noted the prevalence of Down syndrome and the importance of inclusion and services.
•Presenter said each application was vetted by the opioid remediation steering committee and applicants gave presentations before the subcommittee.
•Presenter said four invoices total the requested amount; one invoice $184.63 and three larger ones combined with down payments.
•Staff explained grant processed through NMMMA and invoice requires payment to enable reimbursement.
•Truck used for search & rescue; has generator and brake issues; approx. 52,000 miles reported.

Decisions

•Adopt Resolution 26‑18; note tributes to local advocates.
•Adopt resolutions 26-15, 26-16 and 26-17 allocating funds to the named organizations.
•Approve application to Northeast Michigan Foundation for $5,000.
•Approve both FY2027 DNR grant applications by roll call.
•Approve line‑item increases for expert fees ($1,275) and part‑time prosecutor ($6,500).
•Approve line‑item increase to pay invoice and then pursue reimbursement.
•Create line item and increase amount to allow invoice payment.
•Motion to pay bills and receive and file finance report approved by roll call.
•Proceed with listing/donation options; revisit at next meeting.

Directions

•Create new line item and process invoices for reimbursement.
•List vehicle for sale/auction and return with update in 30 days.

Oct

Personnel Committee Meeting 10/06/2026

Alpena County board met to discuss staff training, job-description updates, nonunion pay adjustments (tabled for more data), and to approve deputies' contract after a closed session.

Discussion Points

•Administration presented proposed increases for nonunion department heads and chief deputies; Commissioners requested historical context.
•Administration said the previous job description was outdated and had been polished to reflect recent programs.
•Closed session covered a union contract and a personnel matter (details discussed in closed session).
•County Administrator Jesse Osborne presented planned OSHA training for supervisors and staff and said an OSHA representative could perform non-punitive walkthroughs at county sites.

Decisions

•Board accepted the deputies' contract terms by roll-call vote recorded in transcript as Britton, Kozlowski and Fournier voting yes.
•Board approved the updated job description by voice vote.
•Item tabled pending historical data.

Directions

•Administration requested motion to accept contract terms as presented.
•Administration to research class options (including college-offered free classes) and to coordinate OSHA site visits.
•Human Resources to supply historic raise dates and timing to commissioners.

Oct

Special Full Board Meeting 10/06/2026

Alpena County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to approve 2027 employee health benefits, rework the airport budget after terminating a contractor, and opt out of PA 152 for 2027.

Discussion Points

•Staff corrected an initial savings estimate from roughly $30,000 to $15,000 and noted savings depend on employees' insurance choices.
•Staff described existing 50/50 cost-sharing and changes to HSA seed contributions and in-lieu payment adjustments.
•Staff explained that opting out of PA 152 allows the county to set its own rates rather than the state setting them, and that the county has performed this opt-out annually since about 2011.
•Staff explained the urgency to provide final counts before open enrollment and compared carrier rate proposals (11.9% vs 2.9%).
•Staff reported the prior direction to terminate the underground services contract and described the need to move remaining contract funds into wages and benefits for airport employees.

Decisions

•Adopt resolution 26 14 to opt out of PA 152 for 2027.
•Approve Alpena County health care benefits for 2027; proceed with Priority Health option.
•Approve movement of funds from contractual services to wages and benefits for airport staff.

Directions

•Staff authorized to finalize enrollment numbers and proceed with the selected carrier.
•Staff authorized to reallocate the specified funds and proceed with employee transitions.
•Staff to include the opt-out as part of the auditing package for 2027.

Sep

Full Board Meeting 09/22/2026

Alpena County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting with public comment focused on the Alpena County Fairgrounds long-term lease and criticism of the county administrator's social media conduct; the board approved routine bills, a spending freeze, and several budget and policy adjustments.

Discussion Points

•Commenters raised facility-management concerns (campground fees, maintenance, potential safety hazards) and demanded a public hearing on the fair society’s lease request.
•Out-of-home care line item estimated at $250,000 with $140,000 already spent this year.
•Presenter requested approval for an allocation (presented figure in transcript contained extra zeros; presenter stated she did not expect to spend $1.4 million).
•Proposal to create policy authorizing specified officials to approve spending from elected-official funds between meetings.
•Public commenters alleged the county administrator declined to present a long-term lease proposal from the Alpena County Fair Society to the elected board and questioned a swift negotiation timeline with a private company identified as Blackwater.
•Residents alleged the county administrator made negative social-media comments and asked for a social-media policy and disciplinary review.
•Spending freeze intended to streamline year-end accounting and limit nonessential purchases.
•Staff explained BJ Hydraulics invoice ($7,510) was covered by line item funds.
•Staff explained NEMMMA invoice ($48,648.75) was payable now because state reimbursement was received and a line-item increase was requested.

Decisions

•Adopt spending freeze; approve Register of Deeds fund adjustment.
•Board approved the requested childcare fund allocation.
•Board authorized payment of both invoices and a line-item adjustment for the NEMMMA reimbursement.
•Board entered closed session for personnel later in the meeting but no open-session disciplinary action was recorded.

Directions

•Staff directed to draft the elected-official spending policy and present it at a future meeting.

Sep

Facilities Meeting 09/16/2026

Alpena County commissioners reviewed department reports, approved a reimbursement and a budget adjustment, discussed moving MSU Extension offices and potential transfer of the fairgrounds to Parks & Rec, and received extensive complaints about this year’s fair operations.

Discussion Points

•A $340 bill was issued for equipment left beyond the allowed timeframe; vendor compliance inconsistent.
•Commissioners requested analysis and historical context before altering fund structure.
•Contractor removed equipment and is not performing services.
•Contract was paid quarterly in advance; commissioners proposed switching to monthly payments or withholding funds.
•FAA grant paperwork submitted; reimbursement expected.
•Military exercises increased retail fuel sales and airport traffic.
•MSU Extension currently uses three offices weekly for counseling; community partner uses space.
•Multiple operational problems at the recent fair could jeopardize the camping license.
•No immediate decision; plan for walkthrough and more information.
•Procedural contract steps required before termination; commissioners suggested hiring county staff if contractor fails to refill positions within 90 days.
•Projected FY2027 shortfall for fairgrounds cited (~$34,000).
•Proposal to transfer fairgrounds to Parks & Rec to leverage healthier fund balance.
•Proposed relocation of MSU Extension offices to lower-level county building to cut utilities/upkeep.
•Reimbursement previously approved by full board subject to documentation; documentation now received.
•Several airport vehicles and a snowblower are under repair and awaiting parts.
•Specific-use agreements and the 10-year rental/use paperwork need simplification and clearer enforcement.
•Staff requested a specific line-item transfer of $7,800.

Decisions

•Budget adjustment approved and recorded.

Directions

•Arrange walkthrough and collect financial/operational impacts for next meeting.
•Fair representatives to mark up the 2026 rental/use agreement and return comments to the county.
•No formal action taken at this meeting.
•Schedule follow-ups with the fair board and 4-H to resolve contract and licensing issues.
•Staff to follow up on FAA reimbursements and equipment repair timelines.
•Staff to prepare cost and timeline estimates for remediation or county takeover.
•Staff to prepare memo with historical revenue, cost/benefit, and scenarios for transfer.
•Treasurer authorized to execute budget adjustment.

Sep

Grants & Contracts Committee Meeting 09/10/2026

The Contracts and Grants Committee held a public hearing on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program income for emergency repair financing. County staff explained that repayments create a recirculating fund, described lien and payoff rules, and noted a $35,000 reporting threshold to the state.

Discussion Points

•Motion to approve agenda moved and seconded; voice vote in favor.
•Public hearing opened; attendees asked about schedule and annual timing; staff explained the program year and reporting.
•Staff explained CDBG program income recirculation, lien/foreclosure authority, deferred repayment until homeowner leaves residence, and reporting threshold of $35,000 to the state.

Decisions

•Agenda approved; meeting adjourned.
•No formal spending decision taken; hearing served for public notice and reporting.
•Public comment closed; no formal action recorded during comment period.

Sep

Finance, Ways & Means Committee Meeting 09/08/2026

Alpena County commissioners approved routine bills and a $198,404.80 snowplow invoice, heard monthly financial reports that flagged a roughly $152,000 shortfall in federal grant reimbursements, authorized multiple budget adjustments and grant-funded purchases, and approved motions on playground repairs, a radio-matching program for volunteer fire departments, and notification to the state tax commission about assessment discrepancies.

Discussion Points

•A wooden tractor play piece may be near end of useful life; replacement estimate around $12,000 found online.
•Contract amount is fixed; firm offers trained staff and continuity.
•Device reduces missed fingerprint appointments and downstream arrests/warrants.
•Funding: most of the cost covered by grant; PFC to cover uncovered portion.
•Grant is 100% for purchase; maintenance costs estimated at ~$3,495 annually starting in 2028.
•Missing improvements cause taxable value discrepancies, primarily found during commercial appraisal studies.
•Murphy Builders previously offered to repair free but later declined to do so without charge.
•Optimist Club maintains the playground annually and disputes news coverage.
•Reimbursement grants require spending first; lower activity yields lower receipts.
•State and local units handle assessments; county's role is to document and notify units and the state tax commission.
•Stone Garden reimbursement down compared with last year (77 vs. 30 in comparable period).
•Three options considered: individual hire, company hire, re-advertise.
•Timing of delivery: snowplows arrived in spring rather than fall.

Decisions

•Accept grant and adjust budget lines accordingly.
•Approve budget adjustments and notify relevant departments to track reimbursements.
•Approve notification to units and the state tax commission.
•Authorize payment of $198,404.80
•Authorize repairs at fairgrounds by the Optimist Club.
•Authorize staff to contract with engineering firm for soil erosion services.

Directions

•Allow club to proceed with repairs; have Murphy Builders inspect and staff to consider signage to limit county liability.
•Budget adjustments approved to cover shortfalls.
•Finance to process invoice payment and reconcile grant reimbursements.
•Proceed with contracting a third-party engineering firm and finalize contract terms at advertised price.
•Proceed with purchase and installation; staff to account for maintenance in future budgets.
•Staff to follow up with specific grant details and update the board.
•Staff to prepare letters to affected townships/cities and CC the state tax commission; provide parcel examples and documentation.

Aug

Finance, Ways & Means Committee Meeting 08/11/2026

Alpena County board met to approve routine bills and consent items, hear the treasurer's financial report, approve a Stone Garden grant purchase of a patrol vehicle, authorize staff to apply for a $200,000 housing-preservation grant, and discuss a small-claims refund at Long Lake Park.

Discussion Points

•Board added two late items: a Hunt budget adjustment and a public-conservator resolution requiring signature correction.
•Board discussed risks of waiting vs. buying now given a reimbursed grant.
•Board discussed timing and the short application window; Nikki said decisions often occur by October.
•Fremont Park bench repairs completed; funds exist for signage and sealant.
•Nikki described historical award ranges and the program\u0002s reimbursement vs. advance options.
•Parks have historically issued refunds despite a no-refund policy; staff recommended parks board review.
•Radios from outgoing ambulance are reusable and will be transferred to new ambulance.
•Ritter presented two local dealer bids and recommended Berger Chevrolet for availability and vehicle options.
•Small-claims suit totals and the mistaken naming of the treasurer in court paperwork.
•Treasurer presented exact balance figures and the public-conservator memo requesting return of $200,000 from housing to general fund.

Decisions

•Agenda approved; bills and consent calendar approved by roll call.
•Board agreed to cost-saving reuse of radios and assigned signage to facilities.
•Board approved the purchase but did not require staff to buy before reimbursement; decision postponed to staff coordination.
•Board authorized the housing-grant application.
•Board received and filed the treasurer's report; no additional board action required beyond acknowledgment.
•No county-wide policy change made at this meeting; parks board will consider options.

Directions

•Accountants to process the repayment entry and track the repayment in the general ledger.
•Facilities to proceed with signage and address sculpture-base sealant.
•Nikki authorized to submit the application; staff to monitor award timeline and report back.
•No formal board vote required; staff to implement and report if additional action is needed.
•Parks board to discuss refund policy at its next meeting; staff to track legal steps and potential costs.
•Staff to coordinate funding/timing with Treasurer and procurement staff; prefer submitting reimbursement paperwork first if feasible.
•Staff to place the added items under appropriate agenda sections and proceed to vote.

Jul

Finance, Ways & Means Committee Meeting 07/14/2026

Alpena County Finance & Ways & Means Committee met July 14 to hear the county audit (an unmodified opinion), approve several budget adjustments and transfers (including added funds for court transcript costs and siren repairs), move the emergency management position to the sheriff’s office with a pending job description, and adopt a policy to resume charging for GIS map data.

Discussion Points

•Attorney and equalization staff recommended adopting a written policy to charge for GIS data in compliance with FOIA/MCL; the motion passed.
•Auditor presented an unmodified opinion and summarized significant audit risks (management override, revenue recognition).
•Auditors reported three material weaknesses and one corrected omitted bank account.
•Board voted to move the EM position to the sheriff's office with a requirement that a job description be presented to the board.
•Court transcription costs rose after statutory change and the county asked for a $3,000 transfer to cover invoices.
•Siren preventive maintenance generated a $5,610.21 invoice; commissioners approved a $2,438 transfer from the ambulance fund.
•Treasury reported reserve and unreserved fund balances and days of expenditure coverage (≈123 days).

Decisions

•Approve transfers and budget adjustments; move EM position to sheriff's office pending job description; adopt GIS charging policy.

Directions

•911/ambulance to process vendor payment for siren repairs.
•Equalization to implement GIS policy and notify pending requesters of charge.
•Sheriff's office to prepare and submit EM job description to the board.
•Staff to file audit communications and internal-control letter; management to review proposed audit adjustments already accepted.
•Treasurer/Finance to post journal entry for transcription transfer.

Jun

Finance, Ways & Means Committee Meeting 06/09/2026

Alpena County Board of Commissioners voted to end negotiations with Blackwater over a proposed fairgrounds lease after public opposition, approved several grants and routine purchases, and debated opioid-settlement spending for local animal-care groups and a proposed administrator contract. Public comment featured sustained community advocacy for keeping the fairgrounds public and volunteer-led repairs.

Discussion Points

•Administrator requested salary adjustments to align with peers; he cited prior voluntary reductions.
•Commissioner mover said constituents in his district overwhelmingly opposed the lease.
•Commissioners asked for cleaned spreadsheets and additional time to review before final action.
•Commissioners requested better reporting templates and in-person presentations.
•Concerns about financial reporting from applicants (Reborn Rescue).
•Noted breed restrictions at the Humane Society may limit placement options.
•Public commenters reported volunteer repairs and pledged funds; some accused the negotiation process of being secretive.

Decisions

•$10,000 awarded to Reborn Rescue with reporting caveats; $30,000 spending plan for Humane Society recorded as carried after debate.
•Motion to end negotiations with Blackwater carried by roll call.
•Motion to rescind immediate approval and review materials by full board approved.

Directions

•No immediate follow-on action on Blackwater lease; board closed negotiations.
•Request applicants to present to steering committee or full board for clarity on operations.
•Require improved financial documentation and reporting templates as conditions for awards.
•Return item to full board after personnel committee review.
•Staff to clean comparative tables, add a column showing suggested starting salary, and email to commissioners.
•Staff to collect alternative proposals and report back to the board.

May

May 20, 2026 at 9:00 AM - Agenda

The Facilities Committee packet for May 20, 2026 included airport operational metrics (enplanements and fuel sales), equipment status and activity logs, and three current projects: design/construct T-hangars (project 3-26-0004-026-2020), acquisition of a rotary plow/snowblower (carryover to FY2026), and an update to the Airport Layout Plan (paperwork in process with the FAA).

Discussion Points

•ALP update paperwork submitted to FAA and IFE completed (11 January 2026)
•Ambiguous 2026 year-to-date enplanement string in packet
•Multi-year enplanement trends and monthly fuel sales comparisons
•Need for letter of justification to obtain a snowblower
•Skywest fueling audit finding of compliance (April 29)
•Status of contract for project 3-26-0004-026-2020 (T Hangars)

May

May 20, 2026 at 9:00 AM - Agenda

Alpena County Facilities requested $5,491.99 in reimbursements for maintenance invoices, with staff noting NLA absorbed the first $6,000 of early-quarter maintenance costs.

Discussion Points

•Staff presented an itemized list of invoices and said freight was excluded from the reimbursement calculation.

May

May 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM - Agenda

Alpena County received monthly Child Care Fund reports for March and April 2026 showing revenue, expenditures, and cash/savings balances; staff prepared the reports for the county's May 18, 2026 meeting.

Discussion Points

•April revenue and expenditure totals for the Child Care Fund
•April revenue sources and major expense categories
•Breakdown of March revenue sources and expense categories
•Monthly revenue and expenditure totals for March 2026

May

May 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM - Agenda

Alpena County was scheduled on May 14, 2026, to consider a Parking Space Use Agreement that would give Sunrise Mission a revocable license to up to eight parking spaces at the Annex Building on 9th Avenue from Sept. 30, 2026, through April 30, 2027.

Discussion Points

•County reserves absolute revocation rights and requires User indemnification (SEG 008, SEG 010).
•Proposal grants non-exclusive, revocable license for up to eight parking spaces at Annex Building (SEG 003).
•Term limits use to Sept. 30, 2026–April 30, 2027; out-of-term use requires written County authorization (SEG 005–SEG 006).

May

May 12, 2026 at 9:30 AM - Agenda

Alpena County presented a balance sheet for the General Fund covering the period ending April 30, 2026, showing $2,912,514.60 in total assets and an ending general fund balance of $2,689,761.66. The statement also showed a negative net of revenues versus expenditures of $(1,529,094.52). The balance sheet was scheduled for review at the county's May 12, 2026 meeting.

May

Finance, Ways & Means Committee Meeting 05/12/2026

Alpena County Finance & Ways and Means Committee on May 12, 2026 discussed continued negotiations over the Alpena County Fairgrounds lease with Blackwater Northeast LLC, approved the county's 2026 tax rate request (L-4029) and several routine expenditures, and tabled two opioid-settlement spending resolutions pending more documentation.

Discussion Points

•Clerk authorized to pay short-window invoices (WEX fuel, Enterprise) on receipt to avoid penalties.
•Concerns about committee poll votes and sparse minutes; timeline mismatch between committee notification and board action; whether animal-care reimbursements are the best use of opioid funds.
•Fairboard voted to leave negotiations on May 5; administrator presented eight compromise points to preserve fairboard access and clarify operator responsibilities.
•Key uncertainties: final Blackwater policy and procedures were described as a rough draft; exhibit map needed to define improvements; insurance coverage for leasing not available under county's insurer as written; zoning and volunteer-security legal constraints require attention.
•Staff said eligibility includes prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery and that some funds had been recommended previously but held for fiscal-year alignment.
•Staff sought a $3,500 contingency transfer for ice-storm emergency bills with plans to seek FEMA reimbursement.
•Tax rate L-4029 described as the summer county operating rate at 4.7270 mills.

Decisions

•Board approved the tax-rate filing and operational authorizations; opioid resolutions were tabled pending documentation.
•Board voted to direct county attorney to prepare draft contract language for future consideration (motion carried by roll call).
•Board voted to table both opioid-settlement spending resolutions (motion carried by roll call).

Directions

•County attorney to draft proposed contract language incorporating compromises and clarifications; staff to share notes with fairboard and Blackwater and return in approximately two weeks.
•Staff to request full minutes, voting records and documentation from the opioid remediation steering committee and return the items at the next meeting.
•Staff to sign and file L-4029; submit FEMA reimbursement; report paid short-window invoices to committee.

Apr

Finance, Ways & Means Committee Meeting 04/14/2026

Alpena County Board of Commissioners met April 14 to handle routine finance items, hear an emergency flooding update, approve 2026 equalization values, accept a $2.27 million construction bid, and pass a travel policy. Emergency manager Nick Madrinsky updated the board on high water, sandbagging and local evacuations.

Discussion Points

•Bid amounts and grant cap; abstention due to working relationship; confirm relative difference to prior bid set points.
•High water levels; five dam gates open; sandbagging operations; evacuations between Selena and Long Rapids; shelters offered but not used as of report.
•Need for confidential attorney‑client and program conversations; cost of $8,000 each; MIDC funding potential; use of commissary funds for county share.
•Need to use state land bank funds before reversion; PFC audit balances required correction.
•Treasurer reported fund balances; consent calendar items were routine.
•Why missed improvements are not always captured; desk review vs. field inspections; need for better information sharing between building departments and assessors.

Decisions

•Award accepted to MacArthur Construction at $2.27M; abstention recorded.
•Board approved and certified 2026 equalization reports.
•Board authorized purchase contingent on grant award.
•PFC correction approved; procurement waiver approved; treasurer report filed; consent calendar approved.

Directions

•Emergency manager to provide exact count of evacuated homes and ongoing status updates.
•Equalization staff to work with townships and follow up on enforcement and identification processes.
•Issue bids on shortened timeline for land bank demolition; record PFC journal entry for auditor.
•Proceed contingent on MIDC grant; procure with commissary funds if necessary.
•Proceed with contract execution and grant compliance checks.

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