[4:47] Russ common county Board of
Commissioners meeting for August 26th at
[4:51] 9:00 a.m. Please stand for the pledge.
[4:56] » I aliance to the flag of the United
States of America and to the republic
[5:03] for which it stands. One nation under
God, indivisible, with liberty and
[5:09] justice for all.
[5:14] » Roll call, please.
Spencer,
[5:18] » here.
>> Milbour,
[5:20] » here.
>> Wilson,
[5:22] » here.
>> Here.
[5:28] » Approval of the agenda.
>> So move, madam chair.
[5:33] We have a second.
>> I'll second.
[5:37] » Any discussion?
Roll call, please.
[5:41] » Marley,
>> yes.
[5:43] » Milbour,
>> yes.
[5:45] » Wolson,
>> yes.
[5:47] » Yes.
>> Approval of the consent agenda. The
[5:51] items within are the meeting minutes
from August 12th, 2026 board meeting and
[5:56] the lake level control structure special
meeting correspondences A through C.
[6:02] which includes a letter from a L lion
Township resident, letter from Tammy
[6:07] Thompson regarding Lake Kieran Regional
Development Corporation in the Higgins
[6:12] Lake Foundation, monthly department
reports, the administrator controller
[6:17] report.
Do I have a motion to approve the
[6:21] consent agenda?
>> Second.
[6:26] » Roll call, please.
>> Wilson,
[6:29] » yes. Mley,
>> yes.
[6:32] » Spencer, yes. Milbour,
>> yes.
[6:37] » Public comment for agenda items only. Is
there any public comment for agenda
[6:41] items?
[6:45] Any visitors?
[6:51] Unfinished business. Lake level control
structure operator interviews.
[6:58] Commissioner Wilson and I met with um
two out of the four applicants.
[7:04] Um based on the interviews, I do believe
that we have a gentleman that might be a
[7:11] good fit and I believe that we would
like to offer him the job if I'm not
[7:16] mistaken. Commissioner Wolson,
>> I think he
[7:25] » um
What was his name?
[7:38] » Yep.
Um the wage scale that was given to us.
[7:44] Um where was that
basic?
[7:50] Sorry.
[7:56] » Um, was that a grade three?
Um, step starting at 1921 an hour at
[8:05] step one and would it go all the way to
2260 at a step seven? Um what we're
[8:12] trying to do is figure out that middle
range
[8:18] with approximately how many hours on
average
[8:27] might be out there every single day
>> right
[8:35] » and I'm
man
[8:38] you guys okay I'm sure you can still
hear me even if I don't have a
[8:41] microphone. Okay. So, it's also kind of
looking at what money we contribute into
[8:47] those funds going forward. What like
what else could we It's also not just
[8:52] that salary, but we're looking at how
much we have in those those different
[8:56] funds those SADs as well like on the
ongoing going down the road. We don't
[9:01] want to deplete everything and not have
anything or other things. Is that am I
[9:06] » Yeah. Yeah. And then you have to look at
how many years and you have to figure
[9:10] those into future assessments and
ongoing costs and things like that.
[9:14] » Okay. As long as that's still kind of
going into the calculation.
[9:18] » Yep.
>> Well,
[9:19] » with the wage and salary committee
putting kind of where it needs to go
[9:22] there, that's that's a great start.
>> And it's a lake operator. It's not a
[9:29] delegated authority. It's not a manager.
It's strictly the operator. So, the job
[9:34] duties aren't quite as extensive as what
they were when Chase had it and things
[9:38] like that.
>> That's the way I understood.
[9:42] Good,
>> Madam Chair.
[9:44] » Yes.
>> Um, I realize funding is always an
[9:47] issue, but the $10,000 this county
committed to each of these lakes per
[9:54] year was not committed with the
dedication for what it was to be used
[9:59] for.
was just 10,000 put into the SAD every
[10:03] year.
>> What was it intended for then? I'm
[10:07] sorry.
>> It just was $10,000 commitment. It was
[10:10] not tagged for this purpose or that
purpose. So, um just
[10:18] » we just have to make sure that when we
do future assessments that everything is
[10:22] looked at and covered,
>> correct?
[10:25] » And looked at. Yep.
[10:30] I think we kind of come up with a
number.
[10:35] » Um I I know we have talked about a
couple different numbers but and I think
[10:39] until we really sit down um I know at
one point we talked about the 21,000
[10:49] that was initial but then when we went
back and we looked at how many hours a
[10:52] week that would average out to I think
we kind of looked at some other things
[10:57] too.
21,000 was a maximum,
[11:00] » right?
>> Um, it'd be good to be able to offer the
[11:04] job after today. So, if we could settle
on a number today,
[11:08] » is that is that the request for today's
meeting that we do that today, Madam
[11:13] Chair?
>> Um, I would like to have a ballpark like
[11:16] a wage in between this and this so that
as Rex and I if we can.
[11:21] » Sure. you know, um,
>> can you review that one more time
[11:24] because I don't have that wage in.
>> So, if you go went by when we sat down,
[11:31] we looked at roughly I think it was an
average of $10 or 10 hours a week, which
[11:37] then would equate to 520 hours out of
the year basically.
[11:44] And
at the low end, if you did that of the
[11:49] wage scale, you would be at 9,98920.
At the high end of that wage scale, you
[11:55] would be at 11,752.
[12:00] » You guys have looked at qualifications
and checked all the boxes. So, what's
[12:04] your recommendation in between that? You
want low end? You want high end? What do
[12:08] you want us to vote on? Well, you know,
wages scale doesn't take into account
[12:14] this person is basically on call 247.
I mean, every day he's on call. Doesn't
[12:21] know if tomorrow he has to go to the
site or not, but you know, and and
[12:26] there's a cost involved with putting
someone on call every day.
[12:31] I would suggest
around $11,000 figure. the I think was
[12:36] like 11,900
>> 750
[12:39] » 750 um
>> would be a fair price
[12:44] because of being on call and it you know
coincides with wagian salary
[12:51] » starting at the top of the wage scale
>> okay
[12:55] » yes
>> I recommend 11,752 that you mentioned
[13:01] seems reasonable
>> you know and he may not accept accept
[13:05] it. We don't know,
>> right?
[13:06] » We have to talk with him. And
the candidate we chose lives on the
[13:13] river over by the St. Helen Dam.
>> It's a big job.
[13:17] » It's a big job just being responsible
every day. I mean, you know, he's going
[13:22] to we want to move to operating the lake
levels at the average daily level,
[13:30] » which would mean
that information is yesterday. So, you
[13:35] know, he's going to get up in the
morning, look at yesterday's level, and
[13:40] then that determines whether he has to
respond or not.
[13:44] » And it is still the delegated authority
to make that call or does he make the
[13:49] call based upon?
>> He's going to have the ability to make
[13:53] the decisions
manual or wherever it's supposed to be.
[13:57] That's already
>> the instructions for it. Mhm.
[14:00] » And our role will be to guide him in
what way do we
[14:03] » if he has a question?
>> Yeah.
[14:05] » Got it.
>> If he has a question and then obviously
[14:08] Rex and I will also continue to keep an
eye on the levels and make sure that it
[14:14] is being operated the way that it should
be. And he when we interviewed him, he
[14:20] understood that, you know, the final
call relies with the board
[14:25] and he was okay with that. He does um he
did own his own manufacturing company
[14:30] for 23 years. Um he also worked at
school craft college in the
[14:36] manufacturing department.
Um
[14:44] and he's just really looking, you know,
one of the first questions I asked him
[14:48] was why he applied for the job. And he
likes to keep busy. He's retired and he
[14:54] wants to keep busy. Right now he
ms lawns part-time and things of that
[15:00] nature, but it's more or less just to
keep busy, keep active.
[15:06] » I think this also frees up us putting
that on our maintenance crew as an
[15:11] interim right now because they're busy,
especially with the projects that are be
[15:14] coming forward for capital projects that
they're not being pulled from their
[15:19] daily job to go do something. So,
>> sounds like Mark, is that a motion on
[15:25] your end? fine with that
>> just as an agreement until we if he
[15:31] accepts then obviously it'll come back
for board's final approval and stuff
[15:35] like that.
>> So we will reach out to him and
[15:40] » a motion for that. Right.
>> Okay.
[15:46] » All right.
[15:51] So we are at new business which we don't
have anything listed and so now we are
[15:57] at our motions and resolutions.
[16:03] So whenever you are ready
[16:07] motion one move to appoint William
Mountain to the Roscommen County Veteran
[16:12] Affairs Committee for a 4-year term
beginning 86 of 2026 through 1231 of
[16:18] 2030. Who moves?
>> Second.
[16:22] » Any discussion?
>> Good.
[16:26] » Yes, I would agree.
Um, roll call, please. Marley,
[16:32] » yes.
>> Wilson,
[16:33] » yes.
>> Milbour,
[16:34] » yes.
>> Spencer,
[16:35] » yes. Motion carried.
Motion two, move to approve MDOT
[16:43] contract number 2026-0679
[16:47] author authorizing airport manager Eric
Jer to acquire S sur and maintenance
[16:55] equipment rotary cut finish mower
box blade for the Roscom County Bladget
[17:02] Memorial Airport whose associated city
is Holton Lake, Michigan as outlined in
[17:08] the sponsor contract with a $0 county
share match to move.
[17:13] » Second.
>> Any discussion?
[17:17] Roll call, please. Spencer,
>> yes.
[17:19] » Orley,
>> yes.
[17:20] » Wilson,
>> yes.
[17:21] » Milbert,
>> yes.
[17:22] » Motion carried.
>> Number three. Move to adopt resolution
[17:29] number 2026-08-01
[17:33] authorizing chairperson Darlene Sensor
to sign sponsor contract on behalf of
[17:38] the Rosscom County Board of
Commissioners. Whereas the Roscommen
[17:42] County Board of Commissioners on behalf
of Rosscom County Logit Memorial Airport
[17:48] enters the into contracts grants and
certificate certifications through
[17:53] federal and state programs. And whereas
the Ross Common County Board of
[17:57] Commissioners elected Darlene Spencer to
serve as chairperson for fiscal years
[18:03] 2026 and 2027. And whereas it is the the
desire of the Roscommon County Board of
[18:09] Commissioners to grant chairperson
sensor the authority to execute airport
[18:14] sponsor contracts between Roscom County
Lodge Memorial Airport and the state of
[18:19] Michigan Department of Transportation,
Office of Aeronautics as approved by the
[18:24] board. And whereas the Roscom County
Board of Commissioners does agree that
[18:29] if the designated signer changes,
Roscommen County and/or Ross Common
[18:34] County Lodge Memorial Airport will
contact the state of Michigan Department
[18:39] of Transportation, Office of Aeronautics
with the changes. Therefore, be it
[18:45] resolved that Darling Censor of the
Roscomin County Board of Commissioners
[18:49] chairperson be authorized and directed
to execute airport sponsor contracts
[18:55] with the state of Michigan Department of
Transportation, Office of Aeronautics on
[18:59] behalf of Ross Common County Lodge
Memorial Airport.
[19:04] » So, move madam chair.
>> Second.
[19:07] » Any discussion?
>> Yes, ma'am. Like to thank Mr. Shro, our
[19:11] county controller and our board chair
for all the work they put into this.
[19:15] Thank you.
>> Thank you. Roll call, please. Marley,
[19:19] » yes.
>> Wilson,
[19:20] » yes.
>> Sensor, yes. Milbourne,
[19:23] » yes.
>> Um, adopted mo or resolution adopted.
[19:32] » Um, committee reports. Commissioner
Mley.
[19:36] » Yeah. Um,
wow, that still sounds loud, doesn't it?
[19:41] Um, August 14th, Northern Lakes
Community Mental Health, their personnel
[19:44] committee met. We looked over the
climate survey um for them, which is
[19:48] there's been some improvement um in the
culture there. Um, this past year on the
[19:54] 19th, uh, we started our department head
budget meetings. We have completed the
[19:59] airport, animal control, IT maintenance,
and equalization in spongy moth on that
[20:04] day. on the 20th Northern Lakes
Community Mental Health Board meeting
[20:08] was up in Leelana this time. Uh,
Representative John Roth was there to
[20:13] speak about he is the chairperson
for appropriations for DHHS which
[20:20] impacts the money that Northern Lakes
receives. So he talked about some of the
[20:26] things that they're working on more
equality within each of those regions
[20:29] where money in rural areas get better
money versus just downstate big city.
[20:36] There's only three months left in this
year before that the new people might
[20:41] take place. So he doesn't know how much
they'll get done. But he said since the
[20:45] director of DHHS has left, it seems like
the staff have been more open about
[20:51] talking about different options on how
to clean those up and kind of equalize
[20:55] out how we do mental health across the
state. So, so we'll we'll see. Um I
[21:01] wanted to note about their quality and
compliance group because we all know
[21:06] that when we hear people in our county
going through audits.
[21:10] This group one they updated like nine
policy and procedures in a month and
[21:16] they did three random sample audits,
three targeted audits. February DHS did
[21:22] their HSAG audit on them. In April, DHHS
did their site review audit on them. In
[21:29] January, NMRE did their qualitative
review and then their KAF review, which
[21:33] gave them their three-year
accreditation. That all happened in one
[21:36] year. It's a lot on people to get
through, but they they did it. So, just
[21:41] shows the work that that group does um
behind the scenes. Finance reports
[21:45] looking good. Cash flow is better.
They're not having to get the money from
[21:48] NRE first in order to pay their bills.
So, that's good. But definitely still
[21:53] working. uh we will they are looking at
trying to increase county contributions.
[21:58] Um as I have shared with our chair,
we've been pretty open about kind of our
[22:04] stance on giving those increases, you
know, because it has not changed for
[22:09] decades. It's been the same dollar
amount for I don't know how long.
[22:13] Controller, you might know. Way it's
never changed since you've been here.
[22:17] Yeah.
um not a lot, but um they're going to
[22:20] meet with us, the CEO and our controller
and our chair will be meeting just to
[22:24] understand what that's like and what
they're facing because of the Medicaid
[22:28] reduction. They won't be able to supply
that and the state is not given any
[22:32] additional money for decades to mental
health. It's been the same value for a
[22:37] long time. A little bit about that
because I think it'll be helpful for all
[22:40] of us as commissioners when they do come
before us. um you know we um I think we
[22:47] contribute about 57 a year 57,000 maybe
a year and we serve about 300 on an
[22:52] average every month and when you compare
that to some of our local groups like
[22:57] Crawford they only do about 190 people a
month that they serve and they pay way
[23:02] less than we do they pay 35 a year does
137 a month and they're at about the
[23:08] same amount 35 a year
does far more than us. They have over
[23:13] 500 people, almost 550 every month that
they do and they're paying 76,000. So,
[23:18] just to give us all a ballpark of what
what we're getting for what we're
[23:22] spending today before that. Um, so heads
up, the public hearing for them is in H
[23:29] Hotton Lake on September 10th. I know
our controller and our chair have an
[23:32] invite, our sheriff's, um, the school
district superintendent are invited and
[23:37] things like that. So, it is open to the
public. August 21st, the budget meetings
[23:42] continued. Um, thank uh circuit court,
central filing, district court, and
[23:47] probate family court. We did all that
and in that day, um on the 24th, more
[23:52] budget here group meetings with
department heads, the clerk, the
[23:55] treasurer, the veterans office, and then
on the 25th, I know they completed the
[24:00] sheriff's department, and my apologies
for not being able to get there due to
[24:04] somebody being in the hospital. So,
that's it. Thank you.
[24:11] On August 20th, I attended the community
action meeting in Trevor City. The big
[24:16] thing there, they gave an annual report,
but they talked about this new program
[24:18] called home sharing networking. What
they're doing is they're unrolling a
[24:23] program that's going to allow seniors to
match with other seniors to stay in
[24:28] homes. Should be a good
Thank you, Madam Chair.
[24:33] » Okay.
Um, we had
[24:36] the interview of the lake level control
structure operator applicants. Um, we
[24:41] also had a Holton Lake improvement board
meeting where we learned of additional
[24:46] acres within H Hotton Lake where Mil
Foil has
[24:51] the first time sprung up in some
different areas. um board after a
[24:57] lengthy discussion did decide um to have
um over 1,800 acres additional acres
[25:05] sprayed um which was later in the season
but it's still
[25:10] in the experts eyes hadn't gone to seed
yet so it was worth doing and I believe
[25:17] they did that yesterday I know it was
going to be sometime this week but I
[25:20] think it did happen yesterday
Um
[25:24] and then the budget and finance um
department head budget proposal
[25:29] meetings. We've had quite a few and I
think our last grouping is September 4th
[25:34] that we will be meeting and finalizing
or
[25:42] more on that in the budget and finance
meeting.
[25:47] Commissioner Wilson
>> um attended the Northern Michigan
[25:52] Counties Association.
They were talking about new dam safety
[25:58] rules coming down the line for mid to
high hazard dams. It's going to become
[26:03] extremely expensive for
maintaining dams. At this point, it is
[26:09] for mid to high hazard,
but don't be surprised if they throw
[26:15] some rules in there, new rules for low
level like we have. Also, they talked
[26:23] about um revenue sharing in the next
budget session. Don't expect an increase
[26:29] or a decrease.
a lot. When we change governorship, the
[26:34] new governor is going to walk in with
about a billion dollar shortage.
[26:41] So, I think down the line something's
going to happen.
[26:48] Been working with um Bakus Township on
the design of their
[26:54] recycling site, some work into our
materials management plan. Um, we met
[27:01] with a contractor. We met with a tree
remover yesterday. Um, so that's moving
[27:10] along. We think it's going to come
within budget, which is good because at
[27:15] first it was going to be a shortfall
there, but they were notified they did
[27:20] get the grant. They haven't got the
signed contract yet, but they were
[27:24] notified they have the grant for this
project.
[27:30] Um I attended the bid opening for the
new boiler systems
[27:34] day. We have interviews with three of
the bid. There was I think six biders.
[27:40] Um
the three interviews we're having the
[27:43] bids range from $560,424
[27:50] to $690,000.
And today we're having interviews with
[27:54] those those were the three lower biders.
We're having interviews with them.
[28:00] I guess that's it.
>> Thank you.
[28:05] » Public comment. Any public comment?
[28:11] » Yes.
[28:16] So, I know that I have emailed the board
um lots of information in the last week
[28:20] and a half in regards to this, but I
just wanted to make a statement in a
[28:24] public meeting. Um, we have had a change
in our spongy moth surveying practices.
[28:31] Um, with some federal suits, um, some
closures at a court of appeals level, at
[28:38] a state level, and then some new
lawsuits that have been filed in regards
[28:43] to local government accessing um,
private property. Those cases, while not
[28:47] specific to spongy mos surveying, um
have really emphasized the court's
[28:54] feelings on Fourth Amendment's right and
access to property. We have always
[28:59] operated under the legal opinion that um
surveying was a right based on the
[29:06] millillage. Um they always went to the
doors and knocked to see if anybody was
[29:11] home. um that will not change. But what
will change is that if you're not home
[29:16] um the property will not be surveyed.
So, what we are putting into place um is
[29:21] a process where residents can go online
and do a quick form online at the Spongy
[29:27] Moth Rascom County Spong website that
would authorize for that access um for
[29:33] the spray year. And um therefore, if
somebody's not home and we already have
[29:38] that authorization, they can go ahead
and and proceed as is. Um additionally,
[29:43] if we knock and somebody answers and
they provide that, great. That's exactly
[29:47] what we're looking for. Um, we have had
it out on social media already. There
[29:52] are postcards going to 22,000
residents in Roscommen County. Um, that
[29:58] are actually should be mailed tomorrow.
The the mailing date is for the 26th.
[30:03] Um, but we will continue the processes.
That big change is just going to be
[30:07] whether or not we have that
authorization at the time. Um, it's just
[30:11] it's new. Um, Greta has worked very hard
to get the information to the townships.
[30:15] We're seeing um some trickles in in the
last week, six, seven people um with
[30:20] that online form that comes back to um
comes back to Greta and then uh copy to
[30:25] me. But um it's you know kind of that
slow upgrade and um some of the areas
[30:31] that are are to me pretty important are
those ones that are frequently sprayed.
[30:36] If we don't have the data um we can't
spray. So that's going to be um that's
[30:42] going to be the biggest impact of that.
So, just continuing to communicate um
[30:47] hanging flyers up at the grocery stores,
something with a QR code on it where
[30:51] somebody could stop, scan, and register
right then before they grab their 2%
[30:54] milk. So,
thank you.
[30:59] Any other public comment?
[31:03] Okay, board comment, Commissioner Moley.
>> I know it's really not just a reminder.
[31:11] Um there is that FEMA can help with
paying for repairs that were needed
[31:20] make a person's home safe after the
damage that we occurred to the flood. So
[31:26] those flyers are out there. I I know our
treasurer was also
[31:31] wanting us to continue to spread that
word as well. I know our emergency
[31:35] manager as well just to let people know
that that's out there. We did qualify
[31:40] for that. So there's a way to to go do
that.
[31:44] Then I think it was already mentioned
about the collaborative group really
[31:50] wanting to
it was the letter that came from Tammy
[31:54] Thompson about collaborative
opportunities from the Lake Huron group.
[31:57] So those were the only two things
[32:05] I'll be working with the county
controller in regard to the 25th
[32:08] anniversary of 911.
Does that mean Thank you, Madam Chair.
[32:15] » Um, I did reach out to Tammy Thompson
and I told her that once we kind of got
[32:21] through some budget stuff that we would
reach out.
[32:24] » So, that that's been taken care of. Um
Marcy did want um us to make everybody
[32:30] aware that
um FEMA will be on site at the Ross
[32:35] Common Village Farmers Market this
Saturday, August 29th, from 10:00 a.m.
[32:40] to 3:00 p.m. And information is
available over on the table by the door
[32:44] for that.
Um, I also did forward um this and ask
[32:49] it be dispersed to all the department
heads, the consumer energy 2026
[32:54] community impact award application.
So, if you didn't get it, there is
[33:00] information about that that I can give
to you and that is all I really had.
[33:09] » Commissioner Wilson,
>> I'm good.
[33:12] » Okay.
With no further board comment, this
[33:16] meeting is adjourned and our next um
work session meeting begins at 10
[33:20] o'clock.
[33:25] » What?
[33:31] » Oh, I was just going to leave that for
lake level discussion.
[33:34] » You need me there at 3:30 today.
[33:40] » Is what it is.
But that's why we have our lake level
[33:43] meetings once a month. We just got the
opinion yesterday from Pat on the other.
[33:50] » I'll definitely text you if I can't. I
mean, right now
[33:54] » we should be home by then and I can be
there, but
[33:57] » or move it to
more important take care.
[34:01] » I got a call last night from my brother.
He's got stage four cancer and two brain
[34:05] tumors.
>> So, he's on he works for the state.
[34:10] Mommy said, "Well, I'm retiring
tomorrow." I said, "What do you mean
[34:12] you're retiring?" He said, "I can't
drive because you had two brain tumors."
[34:16] » I think we need a meeting with Tom and
Eric again in between to discuss what
[34:22] that looks like so that we can explain
to the board what that looks like.
[34:29] » No. And
>> no, but I don't think that with them per
[34:36] se that I mean that's really
>> Yeah. But we have to keep them informed
[34:41] and yes they have to agree but really
that's something the lake level. Yeah.
[34:45] But it still is. And I have told Tom in
an email and I I CC you on the email
[34:53] that it I highly doubted that we would
get and be able to acquire that
[34:58] property.
>> So
[35:04] yes, there is there's way too much third
party. Do you want to reach out to
[35:12] him?
>> Okay.
[35:16] » Yeah.
[35:21] with the caveat that you know we can
relook at
[35:31] » uh I think you can offer him the job but
before he can actually accept like fully
[35:37] he has to go through all that.
[35:53] Can
[35:57] » do is there a way of getting an address
for him so we can mail him a card or
[36:02] something?
>> Sure.
[36:03] » Yeah.
>> I'll try.
[36:06] » Okay.
>> If we can.
[36:08] » I'll make the attempt. We should do that
too
[36:11] » just because we didn't get to say
goodbye to him. I know. I know.
[36:15] » I heard that the other day.
[36:24] » He should have been sitting in this
whole time.
[36:26] » Yes.
[36:29] » Right.
[36:51] My son closer to
[37:18] Yeah.
[37:22] » Doesn't hurt
[37:26] very hard. Is that on our desk?
>> Yes.
[37:34] My guess is Kim, they're probably lower
than
[37:40] » or the same.
>> I guess we go figure it out.
[37:44] » Yeah, I'm not leaving it up to them to
do that.
[37:48] » So, I think
>> it's divide and conquer.
[37:50] » If you need to call one, you call one
and start asking
[37:55] » because I want our surrounding
driveable. I get that you're doing what
[38:00] what's considered,
but I want
[38:08] you.
[38:11] But for me,
[38:20] Those
[38:33] are the ones.
[38:41] » I think those are much moreistic
[38:47] because
[39:08] I'm going to look them over a little
bit.
[39:53] Amen.
[40:18] Thank you.
[40:48] Here's
[40:56] my
[41:12] Thank
[41:34] you.
[41:56] Ross Common County Board of
Commissioners work session August 26,
[41:59] 2026 at 10:00 a.m. First we have wage
and salary committee recommendations.
[42:05] our HR specialist, Noel Martin.
Brought my water.
[42:14] So, nobody wanted to um come up with me,
which is okay, but we had a really great
[42:20] um wage and salary committee again this
year. Um and so I'm here on behalf of
[42:25] them. Um, and I'm going to give you um
the uh basically the overall synopsis of
[42:33] what our committee um found through our
annual um wage analysis.
[42:41] I did give you a couple things. Um what
I'm going to be reading from mostly is
[42:45] the um little presentation document. Um
so
[42:49] just to begin um the wage and salary
committee just a kind of a reminder of
[42:54] what it is. We serve as the advisory
board for the board of commissioners.
[42:58] We're tasked with the annual review of
current classification and compensation
[43:03] policy system that we um use for our
wages here. And uh we offer then the
[43:08] recommendation annually uh to the board
while we are also considering the budget
[43:13] constraints that um that you guys are
faced with. The annual survey of market
[43:18] comparable conditions um with comparable
counties um is typically conducted um in
[43:24] June and July um and studied by the
committee in July into August and then
[43:29] numbers are put together then to bring
to you
[43:33] um this year with the budget starting a
little bit earlier um than typical has
[43:39] in the past um our system was kind of
already in play and in the works. So, it
[43:45] might seem even though you guys have
been doing, you know, budget meetings,
[43:48] um, the last little while, um, we're not
necessarily coming in and saying, "Hey,
[43:52] you should do this, you know, now." It
just happened to be the timing of
[43:55] everything. So, the good news is is that
we're pretty much in, I think, in
[43:58] alignment from for where you guys
started um, at the beginning of your
[44:02] budget process. Um the counties that are
surveyed annually um include Alpena
[44:08] County, Antrum County, Benzy County,
Charavoy County, um Shbboan, Claire,
[44:14] Crawford, Gladwin, Ayasco, Manaste,
Msaki, Oceanana, Ogawa, Ayola, Aiggo,
[44:22] and Waxford. Um and this year we had uh
all but two. I believe we didn't get a
[44:30] Crawford County or a Masaki County. Um
but we were able to get some w some were
[44:34] all wages for um our positions from the
rest of the county. So we had a
[44:39] fantastic turnout um of wages which of
course always gives us the the bigger
[44:43] picture um than what we could um that we
can ask for. So um the counties that are
[44:49] selected um have been selected for
market um market size, budget,
[44:55] demographics um in comparable to Roscom
County. Um and they've also um been able
[45:00] to help determine um what our comparable
job market is. We've also used um some
[45:07] counties in this to um there's an active
market for our the same level of talent
[45:12] that we have here. Um and so some of the
counties that are in here have been um
[45:17] where we have lost employees to in the
past. Um and so we added them in there
[45:22] and it actually kind of gave us a little
bit more in the last few years has given
[45:26] us a better picture of what um the
market is really like.
[45:32] Um
before I continue, um just on behalf of
[45:37] the 2025,
uh committee members, um the our current
[45:42] wage and salary committee would really
like to thank you guys as a board um for
[45:47] your response and your regard of our
recommendation for last year. Um it
[45:53] takes a lot of effort. A lot of time is
spent gathering, reviewing the
[45:57] information. Um going through and trying
to really pull together a comprehensive
[46:02] recommendation to give to you that um
both serves your your need as a board
[46:08] with needing to balance a budget, but
also um go along with what the trends
[46:14] are happening and really where the
market is at for um the positions that
[46:19] we have here. And so um having this
committee has really um been able to
[46:25] create a bridge between better for
better um employee employer relations
[46:30] and last year you guys heeding that um
that recommendation really went a long
[46:35] way um not just with the committee but
with the employees and departments
[46:39] overall. Um, so that was very much
appreciated and I wanted to make sure
[46:43] that we mentioned uh a thank you.
[46:48] So
to get into the market comparison that
[46:51] we found um overall the uh grades 1
through 10, our entirety of the non-UN
[46:58] wage scale um was behind market average
um by a 1 and a half%.
[47:06] Um truly this is actually the lowest
that we have seen um in the past several
[47:12] years. I would say that um it has to do
with the awesome work that started in
[47:17] 2025 and then also continued in 2026
with um attention to um into the wage
[47:24] scale and making sure that we were
trying to be competitive um with the
[47:28] market. Um
last year we um kind of discovered that
[47:33] grades one through six kind of fell into
some c uh specific category and grades
[47:38] seven through 10 also kind of fell into
their own. Um and just to refresh your
[47:42] memory, grades one through six are your
typically your hourly employees. Grades
[47:45] seven through 10 are typically your
salaried employees. Um, so I also did
[47:50] put in the information um that we found
if you're looking at just grades one
[47:54] through six um about two and a half%
behind um the market average and then
[47:59] grades 7 through 10 are about 2.76
behind the market average. Um but when
[48:03] you look at the entirety of 1 through 10
all of the positions that's where we
[48:07] come up with the one and a half%.
[48:12] So, um this despite all the the amazing
response that um the board gave to our
[48:19] wage scale last year, um we still sit,
like I said, about a negative one and a
[48:23] half% behind. Um this probably most
likely can be attributed to the fact
[48:28] that when we're doing our market
analysis, we're doing it in the middle
[48:32] of a year. Um and everyone's fiscal year
is a little bit different. Um, and so
[48:37] when wage increases are going to be
happening in the market, they are a
[48:42] little bit everywhere. So we're able to
take what the data is at that time and
[48:46] apply that to our scale. Um, and then of
course try to use the best guesstimates
[48:51] that we can for the future um in in
order to be able to continue our budget
[48:56] process. Um, like I said, we are a much
closer than we have been in several
[49:00] years, which is awesome. Um, so being
behind is not necessarily I think in
[49:04] this regard a um a bad thing. I think it
just has to do with um you know our our
[49:10] guesses and what what the rest of our
comparables are doing. A lot of their
[49:15] fiscal years don't start until um they
start in October. Um and so they may not
[49:20] be looking at those wage um those wages
when we are um and or maybe they're
[49:26] they've already looked at them but
they're not utilizing the same data that
[49:30] we are for um for our uh potential
increases as well. Um so um the cost of
[49:37] living history um that was a big
discussion in the wage and salary group
[49:41] and it always has been. Um but uh this
we um when I first started, I started in
[49:48] 2014. Um there had been a tracking since
2009 for the um cost of living increase
[49:54] for the for the wages. Um and so um
looking back at that, we also put in um
[50:00] what the social security um cost of
living had been since 2009. Um and then
[50:06] also um I also tracked then what it has
been since um 2020 when we implemented
[50:13] our wage system. Um and for the most
part during both of those um periods uh
[50:19] we have tracked just about at 50% of
what social security um cost of living
[50:24] has recommended. And of course we don't
necessarily have to meet social security
[50:28] but that's a good benchmark to see where
the markets are trending. Um and so that
[50:34] um that came into consideration for us
um with what our recommendation is. Um
[50:40] not this last year but trending um we're
because we're trending in a positive
[50:45] direction. Um something that we had
mentioned last year but we wanted to
[50:49] continue to mention so that way we're
not going in a negative direction. Um
[50:53] recent years have shown um
uncharacteristic turnover in
[50:56] departments. Um so we're the committee
wants to emphasize the benefit of course
[51:01] of longevity and motivating for talent.
Um long-term costs associated with
[51:06] productivity. Um obviously um you know
they will continue to be utilized uh
[51:11] towards rebuilding of departments
instead of being able to invest that
[51:15] into your employees. Um, the other thing
that continues to weigh,
[51:21] excuse me, um, continues to weigh with
the employees, um, uh, is their
[51:26] healthcare costs, um, as they continue
to adapt to finding extra dollars, um,
[51:30] to put towards the building of their HSA
accounts, um, to sustain those out-of-
[51:35] pocket costs that the 2025 health
insurance change created. Um, of course,
[51:39] that did not exist prior to 2025. So, we
are still pretty close um, you know, to
[51:44] that change. So, and it takes a while to
build a few thousand dollars, you know,
[51:48] in an HSA account to be able to account
for some of those expenses that you no
[51:54] longer had, which of course reset every
year.
[51:58] So, the recommendations um that uh that
we came up with and the reasons that we
[52:04] would like to um recommend um progress
breeds opportunity. Uh we want to
[52:10] continue uh the work initiated with the
2025 and 2026 wage scale adjustments. Um
[52:16] the history of the wage and salary
committee um recommendations has stayed
[52:21] pretty much in line um with the
comparable job market values and cost of
[52:26] living adjustments even when we the
board hasn't had the opportunity uh for
[52:31] our wage scale to do the same. Um, so
not so much to like pat back, you know,
[52:36] of the committee, but it it just shows
that the committee is looking at the
[52:40] right numbers and trending in the right
direction. Um, so there's credibility
[52:44] there for you to be able to depend on.
Um, stopping will essentially um, you
[52:49] know, reset progress that the board has
continued to invest the last few years.
[52:53] Um, trying to clo and it kind of moves
into closing the gap. Um since we um the
[52:59] last six years we've trended about 50%
of what the national cost of living
[53:03] adjustments have been. Um but progress
in this continuing to bridge the gap um
[53:08] aligns with the past committee
recommendations. Like I said, the
[53:11] committee has been pretty much on par um
for the most part. Um and uh we have had
[53:18] two major market adjustment periods
within those cost of living that have
[53:23] helped get us to where we are today. So
we're not, you know, 50% behind of the
[53:27] market. In 2020, we had a major u market
adjustment with um implementing the wage
[53:33] and salary uh committee and the wage
system that we have today. And then
[53:37] there was a couple rough years. Um 2023
was a really awful budget year. Um there
[53:42] were departments that were closed, there
were people laid off. It was really,
[53:46] really hard. So obviously, you're not
going to give people a raise when you're
[53:49] having to let people go. Um but that
being said, there were several years
[53:53] that the board wasn't able to do any
kind of cost of living adjustment. And
[53:57] so in 2025, um that was the year that um
there was still a recommendation made
[54:02] from the wage and salary, but a total
overhaul of the market um analysis was
[54:07] done to our wage uh system. So that's
those two things are can contribute to
[54:12] the fact that um we aren't 50% behind
anymore.
[54:17] So the committee would recommend um in
totality a 4% cost of living adjustment
[54:23] um for the entirety of the grade scale 1
through 10. This 4% does include the 3%
[54:30] that um the board of commissioners
already assumed to tell uh for Jod to
[54:34] put into the budgets for budget
preparation. Um so truly the
[54:39] recommendation is hey we agree with you
and we think that 1% um in addition to
[54:45] that um will help uh circumvent some of
this oh we're finding we're finding
[54:50] we're always trending just a little bit
below average. Um and um I'm going to
[54:56] talk to that just in a little bit more.
Um, one of the things also that is super
[55:00] um, important to um, remember for the
committee is that um, funding for the
[55:07] HSA every year. You guys have spoken a
lot to wanting to commit to being able
[55:11] to continue to do that. Um, and that's
also super important to the committee.
[55:15] Um, and would like if that ever changed,
um, the committee would like to be able
[55:20] to review and have a chance to be able
to give a different recommendation for
[55:23] the ratio.
Um so again like I said um with
[55:28] consideration for the budget constraints
um the the recommended order um is the
[55:33] 3% cost of living like um you guys have
already implemented um and told Jod and
[55:38] I to be able to go forward and put into
um into the wages and the budgets for
[55:43] department heads to be able to present
to you. Um this reflects current market
[55:46] comparisons, the trending cost of living
and CPI reports um and concurrent and
[55:50] standing um with uh other uh union
contract negotiated increases for the
[55:55] fis next fiscal year. Um we do also of
course um recommend the annual step
[56:01] increase. Um this supports longevity and
overall morale for the employees. And
[56:06] then uh the next would be that
additional 1% cost of living to totality
[56:11] for 4% um for the year of 2027. This
just reflects the current market value.
[56:16] Um and without knowing how the market
will increase um it helps to combat the
[56:20] trend of falling behind the cost of
living average adjustments um on a local
[56:24] and national scale.
The financial page um has some numbers
[56:30] about okay sure this is great but what
does it actually cost? What does it
[56:34] mean? Um so the first line
recommendation that you have there is
[56:39] the one what 1% adjustments of grades 1
through 10. um would do. We have the
[56:46] first line is the 2027 current
assumptions with just the 3%. The wages
[56:50] are $4,912
843843.
[56:56] Oh my goodness. Sorry. Let me restart.
$4,912.
[56:59] Uh
>> we got take a drink. Thank you.
[57:08] 2027 additional 1% scenario increases
that to 4,960,746.39.
[57:16] So the difference between what you're
currently looking at with the budget at
[57:20] the budget committee and doing a 1%
additional um would be $47,932
[57:26] with the FICA total um averaging about
$3,664.
[57:32] What does this actually do to the
general fund? because that is um all of
[57:35] the wages in totality across the board
for all funds. Um the current 2026 wages
[57:43] sit about for general fund sit at
$3,54,62.75.
[57:50] The 2027 current budgeted wages with as
the 3% is $3,19389
[57:58] I'm doing it again. $3,193,890.7.
[58:04] The 2027 additional 1% scenario makes
that 3,232,244.31.
[58:12] So what all that means is the difference
between 2026 wages to 2027 with the 3%
[58:19] you're looking at $139,287.32
[58:24] increase um that you're already seeing
to the general fund with the budget
[58:28] presentations. um to add in an
additional 1% for the general fund would
[58:33] be $38,35424.
[58:37] So your total and then the bottom the
$177,64156
[58:43] is the totality of a 4% recommendation
for the general fund.
[58:49] Um
before I ask for questions, I just
[58:54] wanted to not all of our members could
come today, but we have a very good um
[58:59] share of them. I will read. Um, we have
Sarah Briggs from Circuit Court, Key
[59:03] Darcel from Probate and Family Court,
Kim Kery from the Prosecutor's Office,
[59:08] Ginger Major from the Veterans Office,
Will Tarant from Animal Control, Amanda
[59:12] Turner from Central Dispatch, Shannon
Shagenoff from the Jail, and then myself
[59:16] as an advisory. Um, and uh, I just
wanted to be able to put the names to
[59:20] the work that you see in here. Um, and
uh, and if you have any questions, I'd
[59:25] be happy to answer them.
[59:30] Madam Chair,
>> yes.
[59:33] » When we look at comparables,
we compare benefit packages.
[59:38] » We do not. Um, we can. It's just not uh
it is not something that the wage and
[59:44] salary committee is tasked with. Um, we
did try that once. It um it's not the
[59:50] wage and salary right now is not built
to do that. Um, it's not something that
[59:54] can't be looked at. It's just it's not
what it's built for.
[59:58] And we don't look at days off with
paying either though.
[1:00:02] » Not in the wage and salary committee.
No.
[1:00:10] » And then at the bottom um where it says
like the total the 177,64156
[1:00:18] and then next to it is the total FICA.
Is that 13,58958
[1:00:23] in addition to the 177 or is that
already in there? Uh, no. It would be an
[1:00:27] addition to that would be just want to
make sure.
[1:00:29] » Yep. That would be the total FICA. Yep.
[1:00:39] » That's okay.
>> Sorry. Do you remember on this
[1:00:42] comparison
whatever
[1:00:47] » we were um about 4% behind last year
>> in the total grades
[1:00:54] » in total grades. That's about four.
Okay.
[1:01:00] » We were more behind in the grades one
through six than we were in the seven
[1:01:04] through 10.
>> Think that there wasments
[1:01:08] for that one through six. Correct.
Coming on category that
[1:01:12] » Yeah, correct. To refresh your I can
refresh your memory. So last year um the
[1:01:17] recommendation was um to do a 4%
increase to grades 1 through six and
[1:01:23] then a 3% 1 through 10 cost of living
[1:01:34] chair.
>> Yes.
[1:01:35] » I'd like to see some care payables on
benefits
[1:01:39] and days off of pay because for a long
time we said people took this job
[1:01:44] because offered such a good benefit
package.
[1:01:48] That's changed over the years.
>> I'd like to see
[1:01:53] some information on that.
[1:01:58] » So, we did do last year going into
negotiations for the unions. We took all
[1:02:04] of those comparables and I had all of
that data like as of October of last
[1:02:09] year. Um, so that's something that you
and I can just verify if it's accurate
[1:02:14] or not
>> and just update that spreadsheet for.
[1:02:17] So,
[1:02:23] » any other questions for Noel?
[1:02:32] » So,
starting off thinking the 3% wanting an
[1:02:37] additional one to help us not be
trained. But if we did that,
[1:02:44] the report next year would say we're not
below.
[1:02:47] » Hopefully, yes, that is the intent of
the additional 1% recommendation
[1:02:55] and we took that 1% from um the fact
that we were about one and a half%
[1:03:00] behind.
So thinking that trending right now the
[1:03:05] um as of last night the social security
right now is trending um around 3% the
[1:03:13] se the consumer price index about the
same. So
[1:03:18] » yes
>> I'm in favor of 3% of the 1%. Going for
[1:03:23] that. I'm going to listen very closely
to the to the county controller and the
[1:03:27] recommendation. Right now we have a 22%
fund balance. Important to realize that
[1:03:31] was the folks that worked in the county
that put that same time I want to make
[1:03:36] sure the future is healthy. So if it can
come if we can get it more of an
[1:03:39] increase I don't want to do this next
year that we're two or 3% behind
[1:03:44] this very close to the
for your work.
[1:03:47] » Thank you.
potential. Sorry, madam chair.
[1:03:54] » Just a question on our two closest
were they just not willing to
[1:04:01] » It just depends. I think no, they never
responded, which sometimes that can just
[1:04:05] be they were busy. Um, you know, and
just weren't able to maybe meet the
[1:04:10] timeline of when we needed the
information. Um I do also after I reach
[1:04:15] out I try extensively to do research and
see if I can find um the information.
[1:04:22] I'll look through board minutes. I'll
look you know look through committee med
[1:04:25] you know minutes and things like that
trying to figure out and some places
[1:04:28] will post it and some won't. Um so I
don't I don't really think that it has
[1:04:33] anything to do so much. Crawford has
responded in the past and Masaki has
[1:04:37] also responded in the past. So, we had
some this year, we had some that we've
[1:04:43] never had respond to us and they
responded this year. So, um and it's
[1:04:48] been awesome. And in fact, we now that
we've done this for this is our well six
[1:04:56] two
six. Yeah, this is our technically I
[1:05:00] guess going into our seventh um
recommendation. Um,
[1:05:05] counties have uh continued to reach out.
I always offer to send it and I'll send
[1:05:12] it to anybody who responds. Um, last
year I did have people ask who didn't
[1:05:17] respond and apologize for not being able
to, you know, give timely response to
[1:05:21] it, but um, still wanted our
information. So, I do think that, um,
[1:05:25] the work that we're doing is not only
helpful for us, but has actually been
[1:05:29] helpful for um, our um, our other
counties.
[1:05:36] with sitting in on a lot of the
different budget meetings and stuff. I
[1:05:41] think that currently with what we have,
I think we have to see how that plays
[1:05:46] out with because we're still waiting on
some numbers. We're waiting on insurance
[1:05:51] numbers. Those are projected, but we
don't have the hard numbers yet. We're
[1:05:56] also waiting on
the information from equalization to
[1:06:01] give us that final tax collection and
things like that before we can really
[1:06:07] make any final decisions.
That would be my thought process on
[1:06:12] that. But
>> I do believe that going through we have
[1:06:17] to look at that and we started a little
bit early just so we learned and could
[1:06:21] get ahead of the game, right?
>> So, um I'm glad this had this
[1:06:24] information
finaliz.
[1:06:32] But I really do appreciate
looking at all the counties. The ones
[1:06:39] that I would really want to have in
there are the ones we didn't
[1:06:43] right next door. But um
[1:06:48] that's a goal. We've got to gauge
longevity down the way, not just this
[1:06:52] year's budget,
>> right? what can we sustain and still do
[1:06:55] all the other things?
[1:07:00] » Yeah, absolutely.
>> And like I kind of said, you know, we're
[1:07:03] the we're here to advise you in making
your decisions. So, um that way you have
[1:07:09] the current and most accurate as
possible information to be able to make
[1:07:13] your decisions.
>> Very very.
[1:07:16] » Thank you.
>> You're welcome. Thank you.
[1:07:25] Okay,
next we have Capital Improvements
[1:07:29] Building and Grounds Director of
Maintenance Justin Man.
[1:07:41] » Good morning, commissioners.
Here to give you an update on the
[1:07:45] project.
[1:07:51] Um, we have
had our
[1:07:56] opening
[1:08:00] to
[1:08:07] take now.
[1:08:17] Moving
forward after that
[1:08:34] talking
[1:08:48] of the project. We're looking at the
total completion
[1:09:04] Don't shut down.
[1:09:17] » Madam Chair,
>> yes.
[1:09:18] » I'd like to mention that Justin's done a
lot of work on this and done a very good
[1:09:23] job. So, I'd like to say thank you.
>> We've been talking about this for a long
[1:09:30] time.
[1:09:37] » Okay,
>> nice job. Thank you, Justin.
[1:09:43] » Um, next we have capital improvement it.
our Andy couldn't be here today, so
[1:09:51] our controller is going to give us this
update. So, I will preface with um we
[1:09:57] did go over this in uh Andy's
presentation, budget presentation. So,
[1:10:03] Commissioner Sensor and Commissioner
Mley um are also already privy to all of
[1:10:08] this information. So last year we had
put into this budget um this budget year
[1:10:16] a new server project. And essentially
what this would do is this new server
[1:10:21] would allow for you to log in from
anywhere um in the county and your stuff
[1:10:29] is there. So instead of
each individual computer
[1:10:36] being assigned to a person, all of your
data is is with your login. Um the the
[1:10:43] best way that I can explain why this is
better um is just in a common day-to-day
[1:10:48] operation. Um I can take um for instance
I can take like a a sergeant sergeant
[1:10:56] desk um that Sergeant Daro could log in
and any documents information that he
[1:11:02] has are at whatever computer he's able
to access for that point. Um the other
[1:11:08] bonus to that is right now every time we
get 25 to 30 new computers um annually
[1:11:15] for our staff to rotate in um each of
those computers has to be built for that
[1:11:20] specific individual. We are a one and a
half IT department for what should
[1:11:27] probably be a two and a half person IT
department. um the amount of time I mean
[1:11:33] months and months once we get those
computers in to have those rebuilt and
[1:11:37] specifications for that person by
changing to this new server that goes
[1:11:42] away. They log in, their stuff's there.
So it's a setup and press the button and
[1:11:47] go. Um so there's zero downtime when the
computer goes down as well because we
[1:11:53] can just switch that user to a new
computer. Um the other portion of that
[1:11:58] is um it really cuts down the actual
cost of procuring their computer. So
[1:12:04] this is a long-term investment as well.
Um so you're going to have less
[1:12:10] computers that you have to purchase
because you don't need multiple
[1:12:13] computers at a station um assigned to
specific users for specific functions.
[1:12:18] those specific users. Again, if you're
thinking of it like treasurer front desk
[1:12:23] um for PR, treasurer front desk for you
can log in under you and perform all
[1:12:29] those same functions. Um when we
initially quoted this for this budget
[1:12:34] year, it was roughly $58,000 that was
put in for um it has almost doubled
[1:12:43] already when he went to order it. So, we
are at the point now where it was
[1:12:47] roughly $110,000 to get this project
done. Um, that being said, um, we will
[1:12:54] have a conversation about allocation of
um, capital projects funding during our
[1:13:01] budget presentation. Um, so we are
looking to request that that additional
[1:13:06] money be allocated now so that we can
get this per project up and running
[1:13:11] because we know as of January 1 that
we're anticipated to increase costs
[1:13:15] related to it by about another 25%.
[1:13:22] And if I'm not mistaken, um, when we
asked Andy what he believed was the cost
[1:13:28] factor and why it jumped so much, um, he
basically referenced the data centers
[1:13:35] and all the parts that are being used
and they're in short supply.
[1:13:40] So the quote that I know that he gave us
is good through sometime in September.
[1:13:47] So that's why we want to allocate it now
from the capital improvement fund versus
[1:13:53] waiting till after the first of the year
where you're going to look at another
[1:13:58] substantial jump
[1:14:04] » and it would be nice just for any of our
employees you know even the courts to be
[1:14:10] able to log in if a computer goes down
they're not without I mean their
[1:14:14] information
police department even our controller,
[1:14:18] that information
can be accessed from any computer as
[1:14:22] long as they're logging into it.
[1:14:27] And if a hard drive fails, then they
don't lose all their data as well.
[1:14:34] » That has happened.
>> That has happened.
[1:14:37] As much as I didn't have a lot on my
computer, what I did have on my computer
[1:14:41] is gone from here. So
>> whatever we can do to improve the
[1:14:47] efficiency
[1:14:51] as good as the price anyway.
[1:14:57] » Any other questions for
on this?
[1:15:04] » Okay.
With nothing further on the work
[1:15:08] session, then this meeting is adjourned
and our budget and finance meeting
[1:15:12] starts at 11 o'clock.
[1:15:37] Watch
[1:15:47] this.
[1:15:56] Praise
[1:16:19] God.
[1:17:53] for but that is just kind of a shows you
how things are coming in right now.
[1:17:57] People wanting to pay taxes. Um our
state reimbursements for our judicial
[1:18:02] salaries which is roughly 90,000 right
now. Um, our core cost and our sting are
[1:18:09] also not yet received as of 73126
and those all had happened last year at
[1:18:14] this point in time.
On a positive note, our percent of
[1:18:19] expenses compared to this time last year
is 5.34% below our 2025 budget. Um that
[1:18:27] being said, the numbers are the same for
uh we have 15 of 26 pay periods in 2026,
[1:18:34] seven of 12 monthly retirement payments
and eight of 12 monthly benefit premium
[1:18:38] payments made. And those are actually
the same where we were at this time last
[1:18:42] year as well. So it is just a general um
general expense
[1:18:50] downturn right now with our departments
just doing a fabulous job of managing
[1:18:54] their budgets. So,
>> Madam Chair,
[1:18:57] » yes.
>> Um, the state not coughing up their
[1:19:01] money,
is that of a concern? I mean, is there
[1:19:07] something going on at the state level
that
[1:19:10] » it is not um I I often I like to me
personally I I do it just as like people
[1:19:17] that don't come and pay their taxes on
their house until the very last day,
[1:19:22] they're going to keep all the money they
can until they absolutely can't keep it
[1:19:25] anymore. Um, so my thought process is
that we will probably see more of this
[1:19:30] come in in October when their new fiscal
year starts. Um, once they have to clean
[1:19:35] out those buckets in September. So
[1:19:41] if it was our if it would have been our
uh revenue sharing, I might be a little
[1:19:45] bit more concerned, but that is on par.
So,
[1:19:54] so I wanted to just start with now that
we have all of our audit adjustments um
[1:19:59] and final entries in with those
beginning fund balances for 2026 and we
[1:20:04] do have this on for a further discussion
once the presentation's done. Um, just
[1:20:09] as a as a rehash, um, our beginning fund
balance as of 2025 was $2,167.
[1:20:18] Oh, I'm doing a Noel. 2,167,39.19.
[1:20:25] Um the difference between our collected
202 should say 2026 or 2025 revenues and
[1:20:32] our 2025 expenditures
um left us with a fund balance as of
[1:20:37] January 1, 2026 of 2,948,782.119.
[1:20:45] Our 18% funding balance goal, so 18% of
our total general fund expenses that
[1:20:51] have been budgeted, um is 2,148,63504
[1:20:58] the fund balance policy that was
approved by the board of commissioners
[1:21:03] um that under or over goal would need to
be assessed and um reallocated and
[1:21:09] reooked at. Obviously, if we were in the
negative, we would be reviewing our
[1:21:12] budget um to look to see how to meet
that. And um because we are in the
[1:21:18] positive at 6.7% over the fund balance
goal, um this board will have an
[1:21:23] opportunity to make decisions about um
allocations to capital improvements, um
[1:21:29] some of the other things that you've
talked about, uh healthcare savings
[1:21:32] accounts, set aside funds, those type of
things.
[1:21:35] So, it's a it's a great place to be. Um,
so for fun and just because I like to
[1:21:43] make you read little print, um, our 2026
beginning fund balances for post audit
[1:21:48] for some of our other funds. Um, I will
just hit on some of the ones that I
[1:21:52] think of as highlights. Um, our sheriff
road patrol fund is still sitting um,
[1:21:58] above the 25% that we like to see as far
as making sure that they have enough to
[1:22:04] to run for an ample amount of time. Um
they were at 34.34%
[1:22:09] at the beginning of this year. Um I will
caveat that sheriff has asked to be on
[1:22:14] the agenda for a budget adjustment at
the next work session. So we will
[1:22:19] probably see that dip at the end of this
year again. Um our animal shelter
[1:22:23] donations which are explicitly used for
animal care. um the vet bills that come
[1:22:30] in um and routine vets, non-rine vets um
those are all paid out of that shelter
[1:22:37] donation program um is is very good. One
of the areas that is of concern um and
[1:22:44] this is solely based on that huge
project they had to do last year um is
[1:22:50] the animal control program fund itself.
So, our actual millillage collections
[1:22:55] that operates both our animal control
and our shelter. Um, they ended the year
[1:23:00] with a 5.52%
fund balance. Um, so there is work to do
[1:23:05] and our director is um very aware of
that and continues to pinch pennies. I
[1:23:10] will be I will be completely honest.
43,000 is about 40,000 more than we
[1:23:16] initially thought we were going to end
at when this project came out. So that
[1:23:21] is due to good good management over at
the shelter of being able to just cut
[1:23:25] things back a little bit more as we go.
Um emergency management is sitting below
[1:23:31] that 25%. They're at 3571248
but it is a new millage. So hopeful with
[1:23:38] this year's budget and next year's
budget we will be able to put um
[1:23:42] additional funding set aside for that.
Um we have some funds that we
[1:23:47] traditionally do not carry high fund
balances in just because um of the
[1:23:52] allocations that come from the general
fund to that. We do like to have a
[1:23:56] little bit over um just in case there is
some billings at the end. That would be
[1:24:01] friend of the court um is one of those
that we like to keep just a little bit
[1:24:05] of money in there in case there's some
bills or the state doesn't pay us in a
[1:24:09] timely manner um to be allocated for
that. So then we're not sending general
[1:24:13] fund money that way out of the fund
balance for the year. Um the other one
[1:24:17] that we do not keep a lot of money in is
the indigent defense fund. They actually
[1:24:23] they being the state actually will take
any money we have left over at the end
[1:24:28] of each of their fiscal years and count
that against what they pay us. So
[1:24:34] keeping money in there does us no good.
Um what you save is used against you.
[1:24:38] So, we are also um looking at a pretty
healthy E911 central dispatch fund fund
[1:24:46] balance. Um this again, I will add that
our director of E911 is ready to proceed
[1:24:53] with the um tower booster program that
we've been talking about for a year and
[1:24:58] a half now. Um with the passage of the
millillage, uh there's a lot more uh we
[1:25:03] feel a lot better about spending such a
large chunk of money on a project. So we
[1:25:07] will see this also drop as well as it
moves forward. So
[1:25:13] the child care fund um we have tried to
put a little bit of money into that the
[1:25:18] last couple years to create actually a
fund balance for the child care fund. As
[1:25:23] a reminder,
one child with advanced care needs could
[1:25:31] set us back
anywhere from 250 to $500,000
[1:25:37] um in a fiscal year. It has happened. It
is scary and that money comes directly
[1:25:42] from the general fund fund balance if it
happens. So that being said, as we're
[1:25:48] trying to continue to build this um over
time, that fund balance becomes
[1:25:52] important in helping us maintain our
general fund balance as well for a long
[1:25:58] term. Spongy Moth is healthy. We didn't
spray last year. We have that collection
[1:26:03] um at a higher millage rate now. So that
is important. Our Veterans Affair Fund
[1:26:08] remains healthy. They have um been
working at a continued spendown um of
[1:26:13] their fund balance to utilize that money
in the bank to improve some of the um
[1:26:21] annual events and um some of the
relationships that we have. for
[1:26:26] instance, the uh sheriff the sheriff's
representative that they assist with to
[1:26:31] to have that direct link between
veterans who may be incarcerated or
[1:26:36] arrested and in need of some veterans um
legal counsel, housing, um medical,
[1:26:43] those types of things. One of our
largest ones for fund balance is the
[1:26:48] animal shelter um special projects fund.
And to touch on that, that special
[1:26:53] project fund is money that has been
donated um to the animal shelter but has
[1:27:01] strings attached. Um so they have said,
"I am donating my estate to the animal
[1:27:08] shelter. However, I only want it to be
used for dog adoptions or I only want it
[1:27:14] to be used to improve the environment
that felines who are in the animal
[1:27:21] shelter live in. Um, so it's it's very
specific about what we can utilize that
[1:27:27] for. Um, so it's as we get those
donations and we have some extremely
[1:27:32] generous people with some very strong
passions for certain animals. um that is
[1:27:36] that specific fund that it goes into so
we can make sure that those are managed
[1:27:40] the way that they're supposed to have
been managed to honor those wishes. So
[1:27:45] um some of the other some of the other
funds that um we have are
[1:27:51] we don't really have a a lot but just to
kind of show you where your fund
[1:27:54] balances are for the SADs as of January
1 for Higgins Hotton and Lake St. Helen
[1:27:59] are listed at the bottom. Um, Higgins
was at 2611634.
[1:28:06] Um, that actually includes the $160,000
that we allocated over. So, obviously,
[1:28:13] if that allocation from the general fund
fund balance had not been made in 2025,
[1:28:18] um, we would be at a negative, which
we're not allowed to be at. So, um, the
[1:28:23] Holton Lake um, one was at 658,51626
[1:28:29] and Lake St. Helen 24959774.
So both of those are right on par with
[1:28:35] those projects and the timing of getting
into bidding for building those
[1:28:40] structures. So
[1:28:45] 2026 revenues to date for our funds. I
divided them into two categories. Um
[1:28:50] funds 101 general fund through 27 272
which is the juvenile justice fund. Um,
[1:28:56] as you can see, still a little low on
101 and we will see that within the next
[1:29:01] few months as those taxes start building
up for the advalorum. We will see that
[1:29:06] come come to fruition. Um 207 214. So
that are those are special millage funds
[1:29:13] for both the sheriff and emergency
management. Um nearly 100% for those
[1:29:20] 274 through 861. 861 is um our last um
St. Helen Lake level control structure.
[1:29:29] So again, you see those special funds as
they come through that are that are
[1:29:33] really doing a a good job with the
collection of the millages 298 um which
[1:29:38] is your veterans affairs as well. So
overall um our fund revenues to date are
[1:29:47] comparable to where they always have
been. Um there are really few that are
[1:29:52] lower. Um EDC special projects obviously
that will remain low because we're not
[1:29:58] doing anything with that. So there's no
money coming in. So that is why you're
[1:30:02] going to see revenues low to that area
as well. Um we have not received any
[1:30:07] allocations for the CPE training fund
yet this year. Uh we'll just say state.
[1:30:13] Um but there are still funds
available for that training um as they
[1:30:18] move forward that are actually in the
fund balance for that um law library. We
[1:30:23] just haven't allocated all the money
yet. Um so that one will will come to be
[1:30:27] 100% by the end of the year
with our EDC revolving loan fund. That's
[1:30:34] another one that we just we didn't loan
anything so we're not bringing anything
[1:30:40] back in. Um and we won't be doing that
this year unless there's some other
[1:30:44] project that comes about and is
presented to the board for that money to
[1:30:47] be utilized for. Um we are doing the
program income fund which is what we're
[1:30:52] collecting to um divvy back out for
those projects, those repairs um in the
[1:30:59] houses has actually exceeded our our
expectations. It is been a good year for
[1:31:04] projects and then collecting monies that
is owed to us for that. um the county
[1:31:08] housing administrative fund. We have
paid out a portion of um what is owed to
[1:31:15] the Crawford County Housing
Administration for what they have done
[1:31:19] for us this year so far. Um and that is
money that has been allocated through
[1:31:24] our actual program income funds because
we exceeded the dollar amount that the
[1:31:29] state says we have to reach. So,
Commission on Aging, they are still 100%
[1:31:35] allocated. Um and the only other one is
your airport fund, but the portion of
[1:31:41] that is um that 883 347 in revenues that
will include the audit adjustments we'll
[1:31:47] do at the end of 2026 for that state and
federal money that comes in and out.
[1:31:56] When we're looking at where we're at for
expenses to date for all of our funds
[1:32:00] across the board, um we are right on par
at the 50% mark across the board. Um we
[1:32:06] have some that are lower. 202 is the um
road repair millillage. So those bills
[1:32:13] have not come into us yet to be
reimbursed to the road commission um
[1:32:18] because obviously those projects are all
done July, August, early September. So
[1:32:23] when those comes in, you'll see those
buckets have emptied out, so those
[1:32:26] expenses will even out as well. Um we
also are looking at um some of the
[1:32:32] smaller some of the smaller funds 217 um
to 222. Those ones are ones that we
[1:32:39] don't normally expend out of anyhow
because they're
[1:32:43] 25 cents on every tax or something that
goes into a welfare fraud account or um
[1:32:51] something of that nature that we don't
really expend out of. So, as far as
[1:32:55] funds 274 through 861,
um you'll see again 283 is your
[1:33:01] commission on aging. So, that's an in
andout account. Um 292 is childare. So
[1:33:06] that's kind of in a graph format is
really nice to look at um that those
[1:33:11] expenses are being managed well. Um so
there is some of that caveat in there
[1:33:15] for if if there is an off off chance of
something being expended as well.
[1:33:24] Really as far as looking at those
different funds with their expenses to
[1:33:29] date. Um, the biggest ones that have
jumped out at me while I was while I was
[1:33:33] analyzing um brownfield redevelopment,
that is actually simply they hired a
[1:33:38] contractor this year. We will need to
eventually do a budget adjustment to
[1:33:42] match out to what they're paying. Um, so
that is simply a matter of the budget
[1:33:47] was put in at 1500, then they hired
somebody and actually have projects
[1:33:50] going on. So an unanticipated expense,
but plenty of money to cover that as
[1:33:56] well.
um the EDC special projects that is the
[1:34:01] transfer out to create our um freshwater
trails fund. So the allocation already
[1:34:09] happened to create that new fund in
there and that's what pushes that a
[1:34:12] little bit higher. Um correction
training fund is those uh new new
[1:34:20] officers that are sent to correction
training. We have had some turnover. Um
[1:34:24] we have a year to get a new hire as a
corrections officer sent to the
[1:34:29] corrections academy. Um so we have had
several this year. Um
[1:34:37] again EDC there's no money um being
spent. So in the revolving loan funds
[1:34:43] for that um and you can see the positive
the same positives for the program
[1:34:47] income fund and um for the
materials management plan um which is at
[1:34:56] 100% but almost 100%. So we're doing
doing pretty well in those areas as well
[1:35:01] as they come in. Um our Lake St. Helen,
Holton Lake, um Higgins Lake, Hotton
[1:35:07] Lake, Lake St. Helen. Um those again are
shots in the dark of how much we thought
[1:35:12] we were going to spend. Um but if you
look at the total to date, at least it
[1:35:17] can show you where we're at year to date
for that as well. So the other portion
[1:35:22] of that um to kind of be considerate and
um to draw to your attention is your
[1:35:28] last two which are really important to
us 860 and 861. So that is your debit
[1:35:33] service for Holton Lake and Lake St.
Helens bonds. So, we want those to be
[1:35:37] fully expended because that means our
bond payments have been paid. Um, Lake
[1:35:41] St. Helen was paid in full this year and
H Hotton Lake will have one year left to
[1:35:46] pay. So,
[1:35:50] so general fund um all of our major
activities our department fund to date
[1:35:55] revenues um 000 was our main collection
for the general fund that has your
[1:36:01] adalorm taxes your um revenues your
court cost allocations
[1:36:06] um cost allocations from non- primary
departments
[1:36:11] so we're we're getting there um slowly
but surely we still have about 75% to
[1:36:17] collect, but considering that more than
half of that revenue that comes in is
[1:36:22] tax based. Um, and we know that our
taxes aren't fully collected, that makes
[1:36:26] sense.
For departments 284 through 918,
[1:36:33] um, we are doing actually fairly well
across the board for all of those and
[1:36:39] expenses. We don't have anybody
traditionally that's really high um or
[1:36:44] really low as far as revenues being
collected. Um you can see that that
[1:36:47] primary the 2026 budgeted to the
revenues to date. You can see that is
[1:36:52] really where you have that change um in
those major collection areas not having
[1:36:58] collected our full um our full
allocation for the advalorum tax yet. So
[1:37:04] that's at 18.8%.
Board of Commissioners, you don't
[1:37:08] collect a lot of revenues, but I want
you to be proud of yourself because
[1:37:12] you're at 64.62%.
That is your um those of you that attend
[1:37:17] meetings where there's a pdeium, that is
you attending your meetings because the
[1:37:21] county then gets those pdeiums back. So,
if a commissioner in years where you
[1:37:25] might go back and see we didn't collect
those pdeiums, that's because nobody
[1:37:29] went in person to those meetings. So,
therefore, we did not collect a pdeium.
[1:37:33] So, that's kind of like your little
report card right there. So, good job.
[1:37:37] Thank you. Um, a jury commission. Um,
that is the reimbursement that we get
[1:37:42] from the state based on how much they
decide they want to give us.
[1:37:46] They have a bucket of money. Every year
they decide how much each county is
[1:37:49] going to get reimbursed up to a certain
percentage. Um, so that is what we
[1:37:55] budget for traditionally is 2500 because
it can be a shot in the dark as we move
[1:37:59] forward. Um,
for me, I just had foyer fees.
[1:38:06] So, anytime there's a big foyer, it
makes me happy. Um, some of the other
[1:38:11] areas uh to kind of note on are
elections. That is a reimbursement um
[1:38:16] that has come back into us from township
for and school districts for special
[1:38:20] elections. Um that offsets the expenses
that were incurred for that as well.
[1:38:28] Our courts are actually right where our
courts normally are at this at this time
[1:38:32] of year. um central services um is the
50% of our total expenses are reimbursed
[1:38:39] by Okam County. So we're right on par
for that. The same is for the district
[1:38:44] services fund 287. That is the
reimbursement for expenses that we get
[1:38:50] for our shared district services as
well. Um friend of the court, there's a
[1:38:55] certain percentage of money that friend
of the court collects that is returned
[1:38:58] to the general fund. um this year those
boxes that have to be checked um for us
[1:39:05] to get that money um have all been
checked and um it has been a great year
[1:39:09] in that category as well.
Our prosecuting attorney's office um has
[1:39:16] received um allocations for certain
representations as far as where we sit
[1:39:22] for reimbursements for certain services
that are performed. Um so that's one to
[1:39:28] be proud of. They're also going to be
one that's going to be lower in their
[1:39:31] expenses because of the turnover we had
at the beginning of the year. So, um,
[1:39:35] another area, courthouse security, we
have exceeded um, we have exceeded that
[1:39:41] budgeted revenue as well. That is, um,
reimbursements for transfer of our
[1:39:46] federal inmates.
So, that is a that is a great great
[1:39:51] thing. Um, and while I'm continuing on
that, because these are both Lieutenant
[1:39:55] Beck and Sheriff's budget, so they'll go
kind of handinhand for me as an attabo,
[1:39:59] our corrections, um, corrections
department 351 is already at 76.89%
[1:40:05] of their projected um, again, that is in
large part due to those federal inmates
[1:40:11] um, and in a portion to the uh, Oscot
County inmates as well. Um but obviously
[1:40:19] for us to be that on par and that over
that means that the buildings are
[1:40:22] happening and being um done in a timely
manner. So that makes me happy.
[1:40:33] So as we look at our expenses to date
for the general fund um you can see that
[1:40:38] 50% of central services have expended
which goes with that reimbursement.
[1:40:43] um looking forward. Uh buildings and
grounds is a little high. Um Justin's
[1:40:48] been very busy fixing things um around
here, but they're within his budget, so
[1:40:54] we will give him that. They just a lot
of things happen in the summer around
[1:40:57] here and then slow down again in the
winter for that.
[1:41:02] In our departments, um overall,
obviously, for the most part, things are
[1:41:07] on par. Um I'm still a little high. we
have all of our longevity that's been
[1:41:13] spent. Um, so I apologize for that, but
we will even out and not not be over
[1:41:19] budget this year. Um, we're a little
high in MIS, but that is all those
[1:41:24] computers that get purchased at the
beginning of the year. Um, our and I
[1:41:29] know this sounds really silly. So, the
mail room expenses are actually a little
[1:41:32] bit higher. Um, and one of the areas
that affects our mail room greatly is
[1:41:36] the amount of jury service notices we
have to send out. So the more jury
[1:41:40] trials we have predicted, the more jury
trial service forms that the clerk's
[1:41:46] office has to send out, the more postage
we spent. So
[1:41:53] it all goes together in the long run. Um
we are also um doing really well um in
[1:42:00] in most areas for expenses. Um, as you
look across the board, buildings and
[1:42:06] grounds, as I mentioned, is slightly
high, um, but still on track to be on
[1:42:10] budget. Oops.
[1:42:15] This is the next, um, 286 through 648.
20 286 is the district court. 287
[1:42:21] district shared services, 648 is the
medical examiner. um of all of these the
[1:42:30] ones to kind of look at across the board
um looking at the jail and where the
[1:42:37] jail actually lies. So they are
currently at 61 um% of their total
[1:42:43] expenses
[1:42:46] percentile wide expenses to revenues
they are doing much better than they
[1:42:50] normally do. So I'm still giving them a
gold star for now. Um some of the other
[1:42:55] areas um that we've been looking at um
OV patrol, some of those come in at the
[1:43:01] beginning of the spring and as we we
move forward with that, you'll see the
[1:43:05] rest of that be expended out here um as
OV season hits um a little bit harder in
[1:43:11] the fall as well. So that will probably
be fully expended by November would be
[1:43:16] my guess. Um the good news with that one
is the grant that we have been awarded
[1:43:19] is 100% reimbursement. So, if we go
over, we get what we go over back as
[1:43:26] well. So, that's a that's a happy
thought. We're a little bit higher on
[1:43:30] our medical examiner um than I would
like to be. I mean, just slightly for
[1:43:34] 58% and that is due to having six
unclaimed bodies so far this year. So
[1:43:45] just a little 6492990
which is our mental health um that
[1:43:51] includes transports on behalf of mental
health and then the appropriation to the
[1:43:57] um
Northern Lakes community mental health
[1:44:01] as well for that. So that's right about
50% which sits well. um the employees
[1:44:05] hospital insurance that will actually
represent um has a little bit in there
[1:44:10] that is leftover expenses um for
retirees that were on the HSA or I'm
[1:44:17] sorry HRA. So that trends up a little
bit higher as it does as well.
[1:44:24] In regards to
some of the ones I want to point out 992
[1:44:29] which is the unit's worker workers
workman insured the work comp that is
[1:44:34] our work comp fund. So we pay the work
comp fund in two increments um at the
[1:44:42] beginning of the fiscal year and at the
middle of the fiscal year. And as soon
[1:44:45] as I receive our audit back that tells
me how much each department and fund
[1:44:51] cost for workers compensation, I go
through and I do the allocation through
[1:44:55] the budget. Um, so right now it's at a
negative because that allocation's
[1:45:00] already been put in, but I have a bill
sitting on my desk to pay. So you will
[1:45:04] actually see that go back up again and
it normally just about evens out
[1:45:08] depending on how that audit comes out.
So,
[1:45:12] um, we still have transfers out
obviously for MIDC and landfills that
[1:45:17] are that are available. Um,
looking at our child care fund. We'll
[1:45:22] have additional transfers out for that.
Um, and then that transfers out liquor
[1:45:26] tax um is taking money and sending that
out to NMRE when they bill us as well.
[1:45:33] So we essentially pay that as they bill
us.
[1:45:38] For our payrolls by fund to date, um we
are right on right on trend with where
[1:45:45] we always hope to be at this time of
year. Um general fund is at 55.62%.
[1:45:52] Um
really the only departments that we have
[1:45:55] that are slightly higher than um what we
had actually budgeted. juvenile justice
[1:46:01] is um a little bit over, but there were
um looking at that, the amount of
[1:46:08] payments we learned when we were um
looking at budget versus what was being
[1:46:14] built through for payroll did not line
up based on a change. So, we'll have
[1:46:18] that completely corrected for 2027. Um
Jake and I spent lots of quality time
[1:46:24] together making sure that the
percentages line up with the dollar
[1:46:27] amounts for moving forward. Um,
basically it represents one additional
[1:46:31] payroll. So, and then um our our largest
overages simply because we had no idea
[1:46:37] what we were looking at with the special
assessment districts and a um lake
[1:46:42] manager. Those obviously are above
budget for um what we would want at this
[1:46:48] time of year for that as well. So, but
again, that was a shot in the dark type
[1:46:53] of budget as we moved forward. So,
benefits by fund to date. Um, we
[1:46:59] obviously are are one month ahead in our
payments of all of our benefits. Um, and
[1:47:04] your benefits includes not only health
care, um, but obviously your dental,
[1:47:09] your vision, um, it also includes
payments for short-term disability as
[1:47:14] they come through as well. So, anything
that falls into that category is lumped
[1:47:18] up into the benefits for that. Um, it
also includes workers compensation
[1:47:24] payments. So, as the departments were
build by me for workers compensation,
[1:47:31] that of course increases their benefits
by fund to date. Um, so the overall
[1:47:36] overall um
the ones that you're going to look at
[1:47:39] and go, "Oh my gosh." So, sheriff road
patrol, animal control, emergency
[1:47:44] management, um, specialty courts, opiate
settlement funds, anything basically
[1:47:50] that is over budget for benefits by fund
is directly related to the amount that
[1:47:56] was charged for workers compensation. Um
and that is because when they do the
[1:48:01] audit and they're looking at a
historical pattern, um that
[1:48:07] ratio that they use to charge them based
on our total payroll gets adjusted up if
[1:48:12] there's more incidents. Uh
my sheriff's department and our animal
[1:48:18] um control program have
been champions of um small incidents,
[1:48:25] nothing major, nothing big. Um, but a
cat bite, a dog bite, a slip and fall,
[1:48:32] um, those type of things, those all go
into those workman compensations buckets
[1:48:37] and send us up. Historically, those are
our two highest. Anyhow, this year, we
[1:48:41] just have had a couple years of bad luck
as it runs through that. So, um,
[1:48:46] emergency management was a new
department, so we took a guess at what
[1:48:50] their percentage would be for this. um
and they are going to be a higher rate
[1:48:54] comparable to a share stroke patrol. So
somebody that could potentially be in a
[1:48:59] direct line as that moves forward. Opi
settlements, the same thing. We took a
[1:49:03] direct
guess um of what that was going to be at
[1:49:08] and I anticipated that they would rate
that position um similar to like an
[1:49:13] administrative position, but because
it's housed in the jail and deals
[1:49:16] directly with inmates, it pushed that
rate up to more close to uh road patrol
[1:49:21] corrections type of
[1:49:26] just to keep us up um as a slide because
I know we talk a lot about our HSA and
[1:49:31] so I thought it would be good for
everybody to see um the pretty green
[1:49:36] color is the percentage of our HSA as
the total cost to our benefits. So just
[1:49:42] an idea of when we're allocating that
money when we're saying that we're
[1:49:47] willing to put forward x amount towards
the deductible for our employees. um
[1:49:51] what does that look like out of that
total bene benefit cost for us
[1:49:57] and broken down by fund? Um it averages
about 16% across the board for all of
[1:50:03] the funds. Um some higher than others
just depending on usages. Um we have
[1:50:09] younger people in our sheriff road
patrol fund. Um so there are more single
[1:50:14] plans. Um
so as those come out you can see but the
[1:50:20] general average is about 16% of what we
pay for benefits for our employees is
[1:50:26] HSA
[1:50:31] retirement to date again we are doing
really well on where we're trending
[1:50:35] across the board um payments are all up
to date in all of our categories um we
[1:50:41] have the back payments um back payments
for making that change over for 261. Um
[1:50:49] so there was a jump in between last
quarter and this quarter um because we
[1:50:54] had to do catch up as far as um once
that new plan, that hybrid plan went
[1:50:59] into play. They did a big billing
basically is the best way I can think of
[1:51:02] to explain to it. Um but overall we are
doing fairly well with where our
[1:51:08] retirement by fund to date is. Um
we do have
[1:51:14] um central dispatch obviously we had
that large kind of upfront that had to
[1:51:19] go in so that increased that number um
we will eventually um as Jessica moves
[1:51:24] forward um getting some some things
settled we're going to go through and we
[1:51:27] will do a a budget adjustment for that
retirement the original budget um we
[1:51:32] didn't have those final figures for
hybrid to be approved because of all of
[1:51:36] our timing with the contract last year
um but her budget is able to sustain
[1:51:42] that change so that will work. Well,
[1:51:47] that is all I have for the actual
presentation.
[1:51:52] » Anybody have any questions,
>> Madam Chair?
[1:51:54] » Yes.
>> Survey and remanumentation.
[1:51:59] Is only spent 3.96%.
Is that a seasonal issue or
[1:52:06] » just not going to hit budget this year?
>> Nope. They will. Um so that is a um that
[1:52:11] is the grant from the state of Michigan
for doing all those corners and what
[1:52:16] they do traditionally is they'll work on
it um those contractors for surveying
[1:52:22] will work on that throughout the summer
months and then turn in one big bill to
[1:52:26] us for the amount that was allotted to
them. So it goes from absolutely nothing
[1:52:31] except for the teeny bit that we pay to
the survey remon person um to everything
[1:52:36] being spent all at once. how they're by
the end of September because they
[1:52:40] they'll have to have it all spent by
then to get reimbursed by the state.
[1:52:49] » Any other questions?
[1:52:55] » Thank you, Jody. That was helpful. Very
helpful.
[1:53:02] Next we have the allocation of fund
balance overage for 2025.
[1:53:09] You know what might be helpful?
[1:53:17] So, I touched on at the very beginning
of this um that uh our fund balance
[1:53:23] policy for the county of Ross Common
with the general fund um that if we were
[1:53:28] sitting at that over under the
assessment and the decision-making by
[1:53:32] the board of commissioners, um the
initial um the initial amount that we
[1:53:37] have is $800,14750.
[1:53:43] 15 cents that the board um has to make a
determination of appropriate
[1:53:49] allocations. The policy is that the
first priority is allocation to our
[1:53:57] capital projects fund. Um and that is to
make sure that we're never in the
[1:54:01] position that we're in now where we had
to wait seven years to replace a boiler
[1:54:08] and a boiler system. Um, I'm sure that's
probably in the long run cost us more
[1:54:12] money with inefficiency. So
me, I'm I'm hopeful um to seeing that
[1:54:20] continue to grow. So based on um based
on that figure, so I pull it back up so
[1:54:27] you had it. Um we have had conversations
um throughout the meetings um for the
[1:54:35] individual budgets. Um, additionally,
there have been conversations um, in
[1:54:39] these board meetings of a few costs that
would be looked at as far as
[1:54:47] being expenditures from capital projects
in the next two years that have come to
[1:54:51] board.
Put it big so you can see that. Um,
[1:54:55] obviously our largest one is that boiler
replacement. Um, that is I put 640 in
[1:55:02] Commissioner Wolson. I know that we
don't know exactly what the bid is, but
[1:55:06] I believe that was the highest of those
three lowest. Um,
[1:55:10] and I know that um the low ones,
we also have the cost associated with
[1:55:17] putting everybody on that same system to
manage in there as well. So, I know that
[1:55:22] that may be something that gets adjusted
um as the committee looks at that um for
[1:55:29] moving forward. Um the very first one
which is the BSNA cloud. Um
[1:55:36] we are going to the BSNA cloud. Whether
we wanted to go to the BSNA cloud or not
[1:55:41] um that is where we are going to have to
go. BSNA is the software company that
[1:55:48] runs um a lot of our major think stuff
for day-to-day operations. Um in the
[1:55:55] county administrative side um that is
our treasurer's office, that is
[1:56:00] equalization, um that is cash receiving,
that is the general ledger activity,
[1:56:07] that is our animal control, um for
licensing issuance, um that is the fun
[1:56:13] thing online that everybody can go and
look up what everybody else pays for
[1:56:17] their property taxes and who owns what
property. um that is our accounts
[1:56:21] payable software and to all of our
employees that is our payroll.
[1:56:26] So they are moving uh BSNA is moving to
the cloud and um either we have to find
[1:56:32] a different software which I'll be
honest neither myself nor um Marcy nor
[1:56:39] our equalization director are um able to
find anything comparable that we're
[1:56:44] interested in or that where each module
works for the three different offices.
[1:56:50] um they have given us a uh cost
breakdown of what that looks like for
[1:56:56] us. The initial cost to put that into
play, which would actually need to be
[1:57:03] paid this year in order for us to have
the um in order for us to be able to
[1:57:10] have
the project set where we could be active
[1:57:16] on the cloud in 2028.
um they would need us to pay that by the
[1:57:20] end of September. So that initial down
payment is $24,890.
[1:57:27] Um my request would be that we utilize
the capital projects to put into that.
[1:57:34] Um that way there is not a change in
overages in the general fund budget for
[1:57:40] that. Um we can look at that as a
benefit to everybody. um especially when
[1:57:46] you throw payroll in there. Um
and it is kind of a drop in the bucket.
[1:57:54] I will say that there are two other
payments that will come, but those are
[1:57:58] not something that will need to come out
of capital projects. Um there is a
[1:58:03] second payment that will be invoiced um
in 2027 or I'm sorry in 2028 once the
[1:58:10] subscription starts, once we're active.
Um, but that is actually the new annual
[1:58:16] implementation and we don't need to talk
about right now because it gets a little
[1:58:21] scary when you start looking at at how
much that costs. Um, but it will be
[1:58:25] something that happens. And then the
other one will be in 2028 as well um to
[1:58:29] be invoiced upon completion of training,
but we can budget into 2028 for that
[1:58:34] based on what we've been forecasting out
so far. Um the second portion of this is
[1:58:40] our airport internet project. Um
our airport is not
[1:58:48] manned by our IT department. They are
separate. Um they have no connection to
[1:58:55] the county as far as IT and IT support.
Um it leaves us in a couple different
[1:59:00] precarious situations. Um we can't hook
up any type of camera system over there.
[1:59:06] Um, obviously just being able to have
that access um and improved improved
[1:59:13] internet um as well is a benefit to
anyone who comes to our airport. Um the
[1:59:19] total cost of that project is 17,500.
That timeline is October 26. Um boiler
[1:59:26] replacement is obviously our largest um
project and obviously that is something
[1:59:32] that we have already um this board has
already made the decision that this will
[1:59:36] will move forward out of capital um
capital projects. It is for the most
[1:59:42] part what we have in our fund balance
for capital projects covers the actual
[1:59:46] boiler replacement um uh with the
estimate of 640. We discussed the server
[1:59:52] replacement um a little earlier looking
at about 110,000.
[1:59:57] Um we have hopefully a sidewalk
replacement for the rest of the building
[2:00:03] um to be budgeted in for 2027
of roughly 32,000. We we'll be doing
[2:00:09] about double the work that is going to
happen um beginning in the next couple
[2:00:12] weeks on the sheriff's side of the
building. Um, and then potentially if we
[2:00:17] can't fit it into the budget, the BSNA
cloud change over on December 27th.
[2:00:22] So that's just my little head. So that
total is 878540.
[2:00:29] Um, with that,
>> there was one that I know
[2:00:34] » I missed one.
>> Well, you had to leave when we talked
[2:00:39] with Jamie.
>> She's getting a quote for equalization.
[2:00:44] » Okay.
And I don't
[2:00:48] » we don't have that yet. Okay.
>> Is that for the total flyover remapping?
[2:00:53] Is that okay? My guess is that'll be
probably anywhere between 10 and 20,000
[2:00:57] just based on when we did it five years
ago and what that cost was.
[2:01:01] » Yeah. I don't know because she talked
about something about 6 in imaging then
[2:01:06] down to 3 in. And so she was going to
get some proposals
[2:01:11] » on what that looked like.
>> Yep. She copied me on request for that
[2:01:14] and as soon as they have it, we'll bring
that in. So, thank you for that. I will
[2:01:17] add that with question marks to our
list. Um, your your fund balance for
[2:01:22] your capital improvement fund as of
January 1 was $547,8234.
[2:01:32] If that kind of helps you in your mind
um with your total bucket of where you
[2:01:37] go, plus then you've got another 800,000
that you could do. Um so some of the
[2:01:43] other things not talking about capital
projects um that have been discussed by
[2:01:49] this board um that I just wanted to
bring forward. Um one of them is we have
[2:01:55] had the conversation of doing a set
aside for HSA funding. Um there has been
[2:02:02] a very passionate commitment by this
board to try to continue to fund that
[2:02:07] for as long as possible for our
employees. Um we are looking at roughly
[2:02:13] right now for 2027 270,000. That's
without knowing um exactly where we can
[2:02:21] as we get a little closer to open
enrollment and we know who has what. Um
[2:02:26] that's based on what people currently
have as active benefit types right now.
[2:02:31] Um, we have also additionally discussed
continuing to build that child care fund
[2:02:39] um to cover any of those unforeseen
costs. Um, we've had the the
[2:02:44] conversation of, hey, if we could even
get 250,000 in the bank to cover one one
[2:02:48] bad kid, um, that would be great. We're
at 102 right now. Um, I'm not saying or
[2:02:54] suggesting in any way, shape, or form.
I'm just saying those are kind of max
[2:02:57] numbers of what we would be looking for
for that. Um,
[2:03:02] my thought was that you guys might want
to put this on like a work session for
[2:03:06] discussion moving forward. And
>> I think we do need a work session. I
[2:03:11] know that during the different budget
stuff that we've discussed and stuff
[2:03:15] like that, knowing what capital
improvements are,
[2:03:20] one of the things I'll bring up is
because especially like the boilers, the
[2:03:24] BSNA, um the server, those and even
whatever equalization ends up being too,
[2:03:32] they benefit the county obviously and
the employees as a whole. So I think we
[2:03:38] need to add to the capital improvement
fund but I also believe that for future
[2:03:44] I believe in 2027 we've kind of figured
in the HSA. So this bucket would be for
[2:03:49] maybe a year where the funds aren't
available
[2:03:54] based on future county needs. So, I
think
[2:03:58] a couple hundred thousand to go into
that just to set aside and then maybe
[2:04:03] the rest into the child care fund to
still put money in there and not just
[2:04:09] leave it out alto together.
But that's just my because the the
[2:04:14] boiler project alone would wipe out what
we have in capital improvements.
[2:04:19] » When you look at the new sidewalk, the
building was built in 2007. It's 20
[2:04:23] years old, I think. Correct me if I'm
wrong, but you said $27,000
[2:04:27] this needed.
>> Correct. So, I don't know. I threw round
[2:04:34] numbers of like maybe putting 50,000
into child care fund, 200,000 into HSA,
[2:04:39] and 550,000 into capital improvements.
>> One more time, sorry.
[2:04:46] like 50,000 into child care, 200,000
into the HSA
[2:04:53] and five and the rest the remaining
because there's some change in there
[2:04:57] into capital improvements.
>> It's a good start.
[2:05:01] » But just think about it so that on a
work session we can
[2:05:05] » Jody mentioned earlier
half a million dollars.
[2:05:12] We might want to be more aggressive than
that.
[2:05:21] I think it just kind of depends too on
where some of our capital improvements
[2:05:25] come in at
because we definitely don't want to be
[2:05:29] bonding for any capital improvements.
>> That would not be my
[2:05:34] » cost more money.
>> So those are just my thoughts on it.
[2:05:39] Anybody else's thoughts speak up and
We were talking about for seven years,
[2:05:46] eight years.
>> Yes.
[2:05:47] » Goes way back to
talking about that.
[2:05:55] » That is fun.
[2:06:00] » I really loved seeing this
power. You know, we kind of wrote down
[2:06:07] » and all the details. You like to take
that
[2:06:11] this information, put it on Absolutely.
All right. Already said yay to both. I
[2:06:16] mean, there's certain things if we don't
say the now it's got to be spent.
[2:06:20] September, October's around the corner.
We've got to get those people in line.
[2:06:25] Correct. There's certain things that
>> like it's Yeah. It stuff he's on a time
[2:06:31] line. I know. Um BSNA for sure is on a
time
[2:06:37] table.
>> Almost automatically go, they've got to
[2:06:40] go. Where are they going? And now what
do we have left
[2:06:43] » that we can continue to keep funds good
you know long longevity and not spending
[2:06:49] it all at once and going now we don't
have any fund balance to work with you
[2:06:52] know
>> so I think putting those key together
[2:06:56] would help
>> in a work session and then I think we
[2:06:58] can
give approval quick on the things that
[2:07:02] they
[2:07:05] » not dragging that out too long so that
we have a higher bid going forward that
[2:07:12] Yeah, because when did Andy need a
because I know his was
[2:07:20] lunchtime.
>> I was end of September.
[2:07:22] » September.
>> Okay. I just wasn't sure if the second
[2:07:25] work session was going to work for him
to approve it or if it was going to have
[2:07:29] to be the first one before the bid was
possibly no longer valid.
[2:07:35] » I will double check the date and let you
know.
[2:07:40] » I don't like
necessarily, but these key things with
[2:07:44] this number one pager, they put it all
in one. Here's what we need. And that
[2:07:50] way, if we can look at that in advance,
have a one page. We've all heard it,
[2:07:54] seen it, ask questions, and then
because I know the boiler needs to come
[2:08:00] up, too.
>> Yep. Because they'll meet today, they'll
[2:08:03] make their decision, and then we need to
be able to approve that for them to get
[2:08:08] going on it.
[2:08:12] Yeah, I don't want to hold those up.
>> And I know BSNA was the same way.
[2:08:18] In order to get on the books, we need
>> make sure that those Jody are the ones
[2:08:22] that were pretty much guaranteed or not,
>> right? Because the boiler is obviously
[2:08:28] priority. I mean, yeah,
>> we have to have hot water and we have to
[2:08:32] have heat, especially coming into
the seasons and we definitely can't
[2:08:38] leave the jail without heat and hot
water.
[2:08:44] » At that point, we might even get
whatever from equalization
[2:08:48] » so that we could prioritize what can we
fit in in 27. Go ahead and try to make
[2:08:52] somewhat of a commitment for 28 like,
okay,
[2:08:55] » these were still high priority.
Where are they going to fit?
[2:08:59] » And at least if it's not
whomever is needing that knows that it
[2:09:04] could be there for that next year.
>> I don't know if all of it if it all can
[2:09:10] fit and we still got money. I'm good
doing it all. Because they're all
[2:09:14] needed. It's just a matter of can
>> right.
[2:09:18] » I'm just not quick enough today to put
those numbers.
[2:09:22] » Yeah. nor do I expect you to be
>> Madam Chair?
[2:09:27] » Yes.
>> I know at one point we talked about
[2:09:30] updating our personnel handbook
>> and then we also
[2:09:36] transitioned into talking about hiring a
company for our policies. How do those
[2:09:42] fit into the budget? So, the hiring of
that company, which we are going to get
[2:09:48] back to now because I think they're
finally to a point where their numbers
[2:09:50] below what I was budgeted for, we do
have $10,000 budgeted into the board of
[2:09:55] commissioners budget this year for that
expenditure. So, but um it would be for
[2:10:02] one year and that is one of my my issues
is in order to keep that up then I've
[2:10:09] got to budget into 27 28 29 um as well.
So that's where I've been working with
[2:10:15] them um to move forward and since all of
my conversations now my sheriff's
[2:10:20] department and 911 have chosen not to
use that company and move to a different
[2:10:26] company now. So
>> well the problem with that is we have a
[2:10:31] need for it this year.
>> Yes.
[2:10:33] » Next year we might not have any
>> correct
[2:10:36] » need for the service.
>> Correct.
[2:10:47] I think let's we can get that onepage
summary of all the requests or the money
[2:10:53] where we're at which buckets we have
that 800 whatever else
[2:11:00] » where would that put us
take you down to this bring it back up
[2:11:07] everybody's is doing good with
>> okay
[2:11:11] » and I will get with Marcy and verify the
actual cash in the bank with the
[2:11:14] interest that she's accured to date to
make sure you've got that total number
[2:11:19] of this is the actual cash in so yep
because there have been um there have
[2:11:25] been interest allocations as well
>> we do that at that September work
[2:11:29] session or we put it quickly on for a
vote
[2:11:34] » seems like it
>> we'll have to we'll have to find out
[2:11:38] when they have to. If we have to call a
meeting, we'll have to call a meeting.
[2:11:42] » Okay with that. I just don't want to
keep them on hold,
[2:11:44] » right?
>> Yeah, that was my thoughts. We need a
[2:11:48] special I'm not a big fan of special
meetings, but
[2:11:50] » if we need one to get things approved
>> so that people can get discussed it, we
[2:11:55] see all those numbers, we can move
forward and then we'll not have to just
[2:11:58] do a special to make the motions to
approve it
[2:12:03] » because it's easy for that to
between a work session and everything on
[2:12:08] the agenda. Sometimes it just pushes it
out and I don't want them to be behind
[2:12:13] on getting those bids.
[2:12:17] » Yep. Okay.
[2:12:22] » Any other questions or comments for
[2:12:34] So, we'll have to figure out with that
manual. That's all that.
[2:12:44] Okay.
Um, next we have motions and
[2:12:48] resolutions, which there are none. Um,
public comment. Any public comment?
[2:12:57] Board comment.
[2:13:01] Anybody? Okay, we have no further
comment. This meeting is adjourned.
[2:13:06] Thank you.
>> Perfect.
[2:13:15] » Yeah, that is a lot.