County Commissioners - Regular Meeting

Russing County Board of Commissioners work session um December 3rd, 2025 at 9:00 am. We had BSNA cloud upgrade proposal as number one. We are actually going to postpone that to a future meeting for discussion because information is still coming in. So we are review of the resolution for public act 152 of 2011 Jodie Valentino. Okay. Okay. So um local governments have a public act 152 of 2011 that was put into place under Governor Snyder at the time. And this offers the opportunity to do one of three things. You can either choose to do what they call the hard cap um which is a dollar amount set for each plan level. Um that that's the maximum the county would pay. You can implement what they call the 8020 where the county would pay 80% and employees pay 20% of the premium or you can choose to opt out and do something um totally different or nothing at all depending on how you feel. We have traditionally since I've been here, we have always done the opt out version. Um that is the 5% contribution that the board has proposed this year um for employee cost share across the board, union and non-union. Um that being said, there is a formal motion via resolution that has to be passed annually. Um so I have printed that together, put that together for you. Um, and essentially it just says that the county has chosen to create an employee premium share program that is more suitable um for the economic climate and culture of Ross Common County and its employees. But I wanted

to give you a chance to look at this obviously before next week even though we've kind of touched around it before. Any questions? Yes. different responses to it.

At this point, it would apply evenly across the county. So, when we adopt it, if you were to say if um the board of county commissioners were to say adopt the hard cap option, that would have to apply to every county employee who's benefit eligible. I looked into that one this year too. Thank you. Any other questions? Yeah. Okay. And I when we think about it's not a I give the hard cap. You can do 8020. You can do 95. You if we opt out, we can pick that percentage as we feel best suited for the employees in the county. That is the opt out is about.

Absolutely. Yes. So my only other question is the motions are so and I know they're probably more legally than anything but I mean there's words in there I'm like okay really is that the we're coming from if we've been physically sound we wouldn't have had a lot of trouble over the last few years and we wouldn't have so hard to get a fund balance at a certain percentage you can make any wording changes to that that you want. I mean it may be irrelevant to the motions and all the whereazes but I would like just whenever to give me some feedback on you can give me whatever feedback you like and we can adopt that in any

I'm not a legal ease writer I just went okay all right and and it says above talent competitors I mean if that is the motion we want to make sure that that is truly accurate with the information we've shared that we're trying to be keep our people where the the surrounding counties We're doing this all the time. Correct. Okay, that's all the questions I have. Thanks. Anybody else? Okay. Short-term disability maximum weekly benefit. So, you should all have this beautiful sheet um in color in your packet.

[laughter]

I don't know why you're like that. So, we have had um Mutual of Omaha as our life insurance and short-term disability provider for a long time. Long preceding us. Yeah. Preceding us over the years. Um and in that we have always had the same plan structure. Um, that plan structure allows for a weekly benefit amount of up to $500, not to exceed 66.67% of what your weekly take-home pay. Thank you.

Um, we looked into some changes this year because obviously our economy um, wages, cost of living has drastically increased, at least in the decade we've been here. And I'm going to have Noel explain to you um what we found and what we're asking for. So what [clears throat] we found um given the options that uh Advantage Benefits prepared for us um was that uh increasing um either to increasing up to $600 uh for um the up the max weekly take-home um does grant uh a lot of our employees more than the obviously the 500, but it's a it's a much more um equitable amount across the board. Um we found that we were actually one of the lower counties um when we were looking at the difference in comparison of what we offered for our short-term disability. Um and I think that a lot has to be said for we do have a lot of sick time that employees are allowed to have. I will say a lot of times in my experience with the employees that I'm helping um with short-term disability, they don't have enough sick time to just take off and be and off for the entirety that they need to be. specifically um like for when they're off on FMLA, that's a 12-week leave. Um it is unpaid, so they're taking their time to utilize that. They would not have enough for that full 12 weeks to continue being fully paid. Um and so raising it to $600 um does allow the employees to um have a little bit more. Like I said, that weekly it does help. Um it is not, again, it is only up to 66% up to $600. So it's still not giving them the full. we do allow them to supplement their sick time. So then that way they're getting a full paycheck, one from us and one from Mutual of Omaha. Um and the increase to do this um was very minimal. Um it was

uh just just over $3,000 total, which is a 5% increase um on the premiums. So about 3,000 total across the entire budget. Um, and so we thought if we're raising our rates of pay, we probably ought to raise our weekly maximum for our short-term disability as well to help keep market value. And one of the things that we did discuss, Noel and I, um, in looking at the different options, as Noel touched on, um, we do have a healthy, um, allocation for sick time that we allow our employees. So, while there were several in that comparable county market that offer the 800 option, they did not have the sick bank to supplement. Um, and that is one of the things we took into consideration, which is why our recommendation was just up to the 600.

And the 600 is the 2,265. Yes, that is correct. Okay. About 60% of that comes out of the I'm sorry, I read it as three. I need glasses. [laughter] You need now. Yeah, she doesn't have that. No, she's got it on her screen. It's on my screen. Bad. Maybe I need to zoom in. No, she's just going to need bif focals.

It's coming. It's coming. Um, well, I was going to say Oh, the other thing I was going to say is the rate per dollar is not changing. So, the people who are maxing out, um, they're going to continue to max out and we're actually not going to be increasing their rate. They're just going to be it's only going to increase any I'm sorry, take that back. The only thing it's going to increase is the people who are not already reaching that maximum rate. Um it it is only going to um help the people who aren't already at that maximum. And the people who are at the maximum, they're probably going to still hit that maximum. It's not like they're going to come somewhere between 500 and 600. They're going to they're going to max out.

They're going to max out. So, um we're not drastically increasing anything. interest. Yes. Um, this is insurance to cover people regardless of disability. In other words, it doesn't have to be workrelated. Correct. It does not. Yep. If it was workrelated, we would put that under our workers compensation policy. But this is Yes. If you break your leg, if you have a baby, a baby, if you if you need knee surgery, if you've had all sorts of all kinds of things, mental breakdown,

so can they, you said that they can also use sick time. So, can they do that at together have some short-term disability and have sick time so that it's whole? So they don't have to use up one or the other before they move. Correct. There is per and this is a standard across all short-term disability policies. There is a 14-day elimination period, two weeks where they okay, you have to we we will pay after that 14 days. On the 15th day, we'll pay um and we then employees utilize their sick time um to make up for those two weeks, those 14 days. And then

and then they'll get 66% up to that $600. And then we allow what I do is I essentially say, "Okay, what is it that your weekly benefit's going to be?" I figure out what they how many hours they would need to use in order to make their whole their paycheck full. And then we give them their check on a bi-we weekly basis and visibility. So once that 14 days sick time up until then, then then they get to combine that after that. Yes. And it is based on um the base weekly salary. It does not include overtime, right? holiday pay, those types of things, right? Okay. Thank you. Any other questions?

Thank you. Just hang out. Okay. The right side. My right hand. [laughter] 2026 proposed budget and motions. Okay. I say what? No, not yet.

Well, we we'll get there. This is the proposed to look through and make changes. And um so annually with the budget, before the adoption of the budget, there are specific motions um that have traditionally or are traditionally included. Um and the and the main reason of these motions is to really outline and specify um the specific decision making that the board has considered before adoption of the budget. Um so this year is not as bad as other years. Um so so that's good. So what I like to do is just go through each of the motions and make sure that that is um still where the board is looking to have the budget go. I I know until you hear the entirety and review the budget, you won't be voting on motions, but I just want to make sure that we're on the same page still. Um, so the first mud first motion that is listed, number one, is in regards to authorizing full funding of the employee HMO HDHP deductible cost through the healthcare savings account deposits. Um, and that is just for benefit plan year beginning 2026. The deductible rates are family and twoerson plans at 3,400 and a single plan at 1,700 and that is included in all of the budgets that will be proposed um right now as well. The second motion and we have discussed this this one.

Oh yeah. Can we ask questions? Yeah, sure. We got to wait until you're done. No, go ahead. Number one, um, twoperson plan 3,400. Is that 1,700 tagged to each person or can one person use the 3,400 HSA? I believe it is one person. It's one HSA or It's one HSA. So, basically, they're allowed to utilize that HSA money for their health insurance cost. the the 3,400 is based off of what a twoerson deductible is for that plan. So yes, so it's regardless of either one can use the total amount.

Yep. It doesn't matter. Whoever is covered under that HSA plan that the money can be utilized for it. Thank you.

Number two um is the motion to authorize an additional Delta Dental PO plan um with a $1,500 lifetime orthodontic coverage. This would be solely an employee buyup option with the employee of paying the full cost of the plan differences. Um I know last week or the week before I forwarded to you the ancillary benefits um guideline that Noel had put together for us. Um and this essentially for for me for family coverage um I would essentially pay roughly $71 a year to receive $1,500 in ortho or orthodontic coverage. And it's not adult orth orthodontic. is 18 and under. So it is youth 19 and under. Thank you. Um so it is youth that that are covered under the orthodontics. Um but this is something that we have had employees ask about for years and it's finally gotten to the point where um somebody could actually afford it. Before it was years ago when we looked it was an astronomical increase to to offer to the employees. Um didn't make sense to do it. Now it is you know essentially you pay $70 and you get the remaining of 1,500

and so far the 34 people who have completed their open enrollment I would say at least 40% have opted to do the buyup. [snorts] Could I add something to that? because we did talk with Jennifer yesterday regarding that. And not only do you do you qualify for the you buy up for the orthodontic, but it also increases your coverage to 1,500 as opposed to 1,000 for dental care. So you get another 500 on there as well. Makes $70. That's really good. It's a really good It's a very very good benefit. What that extra 500 an extra for the dental?

Well, and that is no just having like we've got two that had traditional they're cleaning so far and one um one bitewing x-way and they're out of benefits already like were out of benefits by October by the time that happened. But it's like if you know you're going to need a crown or something like that, it's worth that $70 to save a little another 500. Oh, I'm looking at Rex. Any questions? Any other questions?

Okay. Number three is a motion to set both non-union and union employee health insurance premium contributions for the 2026 fiscal calendar year um at a 5% annual health insurance premium co-pay. Um and that's based on the base plan which is the 20% HMO HSA and then um to offer that buy up option which is the 10% cost share HMO HSA. Um and [clears throat] that would be the annual health insurance premium plus 100% of the premium difference. So you'd be paying the 5% plus. Um the contribution table is listed for you to review. Um just to see the difference. Like for instance, for a single the 5% for the base plan option is $1659 per pay. The buy up option is $2919 per pay.

Yes, ma'am.

Yes, ma'am. [snorts] [clears throat] Okay. and that's where that opt out gets set on what your decision is as board of commissioners for that. Number four is a motion to authorize the inclusion of $10,000 in the 2026 fiscal year budget. Um this is actually under the commissioner's budget. It's a commissioner's appropriation for the purpose of contracting for redevelopment and update of the Ross Common County Employee Personnel Manual. Um, we will, if this is approved in the budget, um, and it is currently included in the proposed budget, um, we will go out for bids on that to make sure that we're using the best service and the best people for it. So,

question. Yes, sir. It's been quite a while since we've had an updated one. Correct. Yes, sir. Is it all that necessary at this point then? Yes, sir. Isn't most these things handled by the labor laws and other federal laws?

I would say that a lot of them are and I think that we definitely have found that as we're going and updating the union contracts. Um obviously you're going to follow FMLA, you're going to follow USA, all of those federal laws, state laws um will be followed, but we have some things in there um that are more specific to the county. um in regards to um just simple things, dress code and it is just just to give you an idea and I mean this is one we could could easily look at but the dress code basically reads as now mind you this predates me. So um if the com if the county controller likes what you wear it's acceptable. If she doesn't or he she doesn't then you can't wear it. Um so there's things like that in there that

pretty nitpicky isn't it? So, [clears throat] we have as a collective, Jod and I have tried and we've had this on our to-do list since we started and we started in 2014 and it's been on our to-do list to update the personnel manual and we have it has become increasingly more difficult um with the additional responsibilities over the last 11 years um and just the functionality of our office. um there's just not enough of us and so it's a necessity. We've had bits and pieces that we've been able to update as changes have been made. Um but it's just it's not when you look at um holding somebody accountable for something in your office and you're like, "Okay, well, what what does the personnel manual say about that?" and you go to the personnel manual and look, I'll just continue to use the dress code because it's crazy. Um, oh well, Cody, do you think those shoes are appropriate? Nope, I don't. Well, then you terminate the person for that and they sue you. We will not we will not hold up for that. So, we've got to update the personnel manual for protection of the county um and for clarity for the employees as well.

Madam Chair, yes. Going along with that thought, I mean, I don't love spending money that we may not have to, no doubt, but we've had a whole year and we can't even get their own policy manual with us. I mean, if we don't have enough people to do this job, unfortunately, that the manuals and our policies are critical. If they are fluff and they're based upon, oh, what everybody thinks, there's no reason to have one at all in my mind. So I mean if we have to pay my question would be is this whoever we might hire to do that is that like a can they get that done in six months? Can they get done in at least a year so that we at least can move through that pretty quickly?

So in speaking to our labor attorney um his general thought is that anybody that is forced their salt should be able to accomplish something like this within three months. Okay. Because there's going to be some generalized templates of of language that are going to be these just need to be included across the board. um equal opportunity employment. Where do they get the county's input from?

Well, they can do that in lots of different ways. Um but that to me would be where you would probably utilize your personnel committee to sit down to review changes. Um, I know like currently right now in our sheriff's office and our 911, um, the company that they're working at, the policies are written and then they are, um, submitted electronically and then reviewed and changes are made and input is sought and then updated as those go on. At least the way we from school board, same similar process that we had done. And if our department heads combo with your personnel committee because I think those department heads also should take a look.

Well, that is yes. And the other portion of that is making sure that um all of our elected officials that have those specific offices should [snorts] have some of some sort of their own manual right in their office as well. So we need to make sure that we are um very similar to us with the state or the federal government. you could be stricter then um but we can't be more lenient then and we want to make sure that that whole employment mingles well in the personnel is would that be a part of their process because I know we can't control an elected officials manual however that cohesiveness and just review would that be a part of the process I think it would have to be yes I would I would support that just to make sure that we're all some I think the co-employers definitely should have input on it

absolutely and and something important too um to mention is the county personnel manual is kind of like you said the overarching personnel manual. So a an employee um [clears throat] in a position within a a certain you know department head um the under a department head I should say their certain department policies are going to apply to them first and then if there isn't anything else then the counties is going to overarch um that include with union as well non you know union positions. So, um it's it's important to have a sound personnel and there's things in that we should have in there that aren't in there as well.

We have a running list that we started about eight years ago that's quite lengthy. Um and the other thing that I will note is what um what I have found and what Noel has found in various applications be it um somebody simply applying for unemployment in which we appeal because they were terminated for cause um lawsuits for employment reasons, grievances. Um it comes back to the manual, the county personnel manual. So the courts have their own separate um court as employer, but you get in there and the judge says, "Well, what does the c well the county manual doesn't discuss that?" So the employee the employee gets unemployment, the employee wins that portion of their suit. Um so it's really interesting because it's different the take that the take that labor um labor law takes on uh the co-employment relationship, the buck stops with the county. So

Madam Chair, yes. And I'm also I'm going to assume maybe correct me if I'm wrong. This doesn't mean we have to do this every year and spend 10. This is once we've got that if there's a process standard operating procedure in place to say this is how we're going to keep it updated going forward. Whatever that group is regardless of who sits in what seat, then I think that it's time well spent and put that process in place. Yes, I think that is an absolute necessity as a portion of this to make sure that it doesn't get this way again. It was out of date when we came on right in 2014. And it's time. Yes.

In this process, how do we how are we assured that every employee has had the opportunity to review manual for a new manual?

You can have a manual, but if they're not aware of it, it's kind of worthless. So, we actually have currently there's a um an acknowledgement page that every employee receives and asked to sign. It's in their personnel um folder. Um especially and also with other employees like court employees, they have their court policy um signature page as well. It's the same would go and then in the event we have our new policy manual um we will disperse that and all employees will have to sign and that will be then recorded in their personal

and then every new employee An additional an additional option that I have been looking at too um and it's again I'm stealing ideas from our sheriff's department and our 911 on what they're working on is there literally is electronic training that can be provided. you send that out to everybody very similar to what we did when um the IT policy was updated where that comes out and each employee is responsible for reviewing that and completing that and then at that point that's where I would come back to or Noel would come back to and say clerk Stevenson we have an employee that hasn't done this and then they'll take care of it. definitely wanted.

Well, so my thought was once we get through um once we get through to the end of January that we would put together a bid packet and make sure that everything that you're discussing and the things that you'd like to see and happen are included and then we can submit that out for for bid. Um, we'll get it started by early spring would be my my best. I mean, ideally, this would be something that could be finalized by summer so when things get busy again, um, the board's able to have Yeah. put that put that behind and move forward.

Yes. may be hard. I can tell by the faces back there. So, thank you. Sorry. I'm not normally quiet either. So, [laughter]

okay. Darn it. I thought I was being quiet for once. Um, the fifth motion is a request from our equalization director, and I believe it was Commissioner Wolson who sat in on this budget presentation. Um, we have an employee who is a part-time 29 per week employee um that is titled equalization clerk. our equalization clerk um position duties actually include um sitting at the equalization desk. Um so answering that telephone and greeting and directing um through through that department the entitle the entirety of the address issuance program which seven years ago was thrust on us by Consumers Energy um where we now are responsible for um taking applications fees and assigning addresses for properties um across the county um last 911 for for their assistance. with that. Um and then additionally, um this position serves as the soil erosion contact. Um that is the initial contact that somebody makes. That is where they go if they have permit questions. Um there have money coming in to pick up their permits, to close out their permits. Um and then they also serve as the administrative assistant for our spongy moth. So, um, I'll be honest. All that being done in 29 hours per week, um, and I'll call all that last stuff that I just named, I'll call that my stuff. That is all stuff that that position, it's kind of fit there. Hey, let's let's create this and because we don't have anybody else to pick up the slack. And none of that altogether is a position is a part-time position in and of itself at this point. Um, we have essentially taken away I have essentially taken away um any equalization time for this person to

create equalization duties. So, Director Howerman had the [clears throat] request that this become a full-time position. Um, and that would go to the 35 per week that most of our employees um in the county and port side work. So, it would be a change from a part-time to a full-time position. Um, and allow those six hours basically per per week to actually go towards equalization tasks. Um, obviously you're not going to be delineating, okay, this four hours is soil erosion, this two hours is um equalization, but it's going to allow for that position to actually do some of what it was originally intended to do. Um, the expenses are shared between the equalization department, soil erosion, and spongy moth. So, they're split into different two different departments and one different fund as well.

Madam Chair, yes. Um, on that topic, there was some concern about whether we were going to continue soil erosion or not. The prosecutor was in the process of reviewing that. I have had a report from him. We are responsible to do that. So, y soil erosion isn't going away. Okay. No matter how much we'd like to see it go away. Okay. Madam chair. Yes. Is that shared equally amongst three or they're going to be shared proportionate?

It's based proportionate upon the amount of hours um that the person in that position has said that they spend on average across the year. Um I will be honest that the work in spongy mart though it's seasonal when it occurs actually is much more time consuming um than than the other department. So that's almost half of the total the total cost of that position. So

thanks Okay, number six. So, number six is the non-union pay grade. Um, and the I thought there were two on here that were high highlighted. There's only one. Um, so this would be the pay grade structure that outlines I think it's your is it? Okay, that would be the Oh, I only have one. Oh, yeah, there it is.

Okay, so this would be the adoption of the non-union pay range which outline the non-union position placements in the county wage and compensation plan um for this position. The two that are highlighted on here are decisions that would be made today. Um so depending on how the how the board chooses to proceed on those um this outline could change but the kennel attendant which is um currently a paygrade one on 2025 is a motion for movement to a two on the pay grade and then the director of central dispatch which is currently a paygrade seven is recommended to be moved to a grade eight. So, those two are the highlighted that are on there. That's why those are highlighted. Um, the rest of them either have not had a request for review recently or um were not moved and so everything else is exactly as it was in 2025.

Madam Chair, yes. For the purpose of even our audience who may not have been there, this was discussed at one of our prior meetings when it was brought before the wage and salary committee said these have been reviewed, these got accepted, these didn't. These were the two that were accepted. Yes, these are the two that were accepted out of the group that was presented. Thank you. Any questions? Okay. Yeah. Yeah. So, one through six essentially gets 7% increase. Well, I'm not on that one, but yes. Okay.

Question. That's number seven. Well, my schedule is after number seven. So, so

so um number seven, it would be a motion to adopt the non-union wage scale which is included in your packet. Um that would be effective for January 1st. So then the first payroll of January um would be when that raise would be implemented. Um yes, this does include the full wage and salary committee um advisory committee recommendation of a market adjustment for grades one through six. Those are our um hourly positions and I'll be honest, those are the majority of our staff um that make our county run. Um that's who you get at the window when they come. Um and most of them are 35 hour per week, not 40hour per week positions. And I always think that that's important for the public to be aware of um that this is when you say full-time, this is not hourly at 40. This is hourly at 35. So that does make a difference um and how much you take home every week when you're an hourly employee. Um in addition, in addition, it is a 3% cost of living increase for all non-union county positions. So grades one through six would have a market adjustment to bring them up to sale for that same those county surrounding counties. somebody can drive to that county to get a new job um or ones that are close enough in taxable value [snorts] and in county population to actually count as hey if they can afford to do this then Russ common county should as well. Um so the general answer is yes 4 plus 37 for one through six. Any questions? Now we get down to those appropriations that are um statutory in nature. So number eight um and I'll preface with you would don't always have to put these

motions in. That would be a board decision as separate motions. I just really feel it's important to make sure that everybody knows where the money's going in these type of motions. Um, and for instance, if you sit on Central Michigan District Health and you found out there was an increase request and I didn't put it in the budget that I proposed to you, this is a good time for somebody to tell me. So, um, so this would be it is a motion to authorize the appropriation of $226,325 to Central Michigan District Health for fiscal year 2026. And this is flat. There was not a request for an increase to the best of my knowledge this year.

Um I know that Steve Hall from district health is going to come in and also present on February 11th to the board um to let us know how that money is actually utilized. How do we come up with this dollar amount? Say that. I'm sorry. Say that again. How did they come up with a dollar amount? Population. And there's a formula.

Big a big shout out to a former commissioner Bob Schneider and Jody for correcting this. But about eight eight or nine years ago, they made some we found out that we I felt that we were overpaying. Bob and Jody sat down with Steve Hall and we corrected the situation to make sure it would be appropriate. So because of the Bob and Jod's hard work, we we corrected what I thought was a was wrong.

So thank you. Yeah, but they were charging based on a a slightly different formula that included both population and taxable value, which for um Ross common county did not work in our favor. Um and I think that's why it was kind of angled that way. But um it turned out that there was a actual per population charge that had been passed and established when the the entirety of the district health department was put together as an entity. And so that was the question that was made. So until that board moves forward and decides to um make adjustments on how they handle things um every time a census comes out is when they'll look at that population and what that amount is

and the and the result was Rascom County paid less and other counties paid more which caused some disconnect. We didn't care about Isabella County was not happy with us. We'll just put it that way. We protected the county. We protected the county residents. Madam Chair,

yes. First off, I'm glad this to know that Steve's willing to come and explain because I haven't heard a presentation, at least in my time, that says, "How are you spending the money that we statutoily give you?" Especially when we have people who need money from us that are asking for money if if I don't know how they're spending it. So, I'm glad he is. Maybe I've always heard, oh, it's a formula. It's really complex. That won't we need to have a dis I want an explanation of how they create that. It's not that complex. Well, I'm just saying I don't know that, but that's what we get told. So, we can have him explain that maybe when he's here. Not to be ugly. It's just that is important. Yes, it is.

It's statutory. We have to give this money. We need to know how it's spent and how it's benefiting our group here in Ross Common more than anything. If it's just going to general funding and you use it how you want, that's a whole different story, I think, for us as a county. So, I'm glad that he's willing to come. Thank you for putting that on the agenda. How long does our agreement to have a district health department to be part of it last? So forever.

And that's a so when and chair sensor might have a better understanding of this since you're on that board. Um but essentially when the state determined that this is how um health departments were going to be created service funded for counties um we got put into that bubble and that bubble is there until something changes. So um a county always has the option of doing their own health department. Um it's scary and expensive. No. Any other questions on district health? Okay.

Number nine.

So number nine and 13 are actually the same motion but slightly different. 13 needs to be struck because we just had our plan approved through MIBC and the amount that we are being um obligated by the state of Michigan to contribute is just slightly less not a lot um but just slightly less. So obviously Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was established to have set standards in place for um providing attorneys to for criminal defenses um in the courts across the state of Michigan. Um it also had the goal of taking the court appointment of attorneys out of the court system and making that separate because they felt there was a conflict of interest. That being said, um there was a formula that was put into place based on our average contributions leading up to that period and it does take into consent um our overall populations and our court counts as that comes through. Um so this year the appropriation from the general fund to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission fund is 204,66330. That being said it's down from 205 to6150. There any questions on that? Okay. Number 10 is the request for appropriation from our airport fund um for fiscal year 2026. The current request is $89,159. This is down roughly $3,000 from last year and does include a um $7,000 request for a 5% match on the tea hanger project that would be occurring. So that

total is $89159 for this year and is slightly lower than last year. Madam Chair, yes. Quick question and and we can go when we do big budget but if if you if you want to postpone it till then was that the project that we originally thought was not going to have to have a match. That is absolutely correct. That is the project that we thought was not going to have a match. Um and what essentially happened is that there's a certain amount of money that the federal government said that they were going to provide to us and when we got the cost back in for the tea hanger it is slightly over that. So then we were assigned a 5% match for the project because the quote came in higher. Yes.

Thank you. We were we we certainly need those tea hangers. They're going to be some for the future. We need those things. Any questions? Okay.

Number 11 is another is another [clears throat] statutory um appropriation from the general fund. It is an authorization to appropriate $57,425 to the Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority for fiscal year 2026. Um, that is an amount that is set by the state and I have not seen that change in years. Madam Chair, that is what in their last board meeting was discussed too that they haven't had a change, but I think it goes handinhand with Central Michigan District Health Department. Now that they have a new CEO, maybe we can get her to come and present what they're doing and the changes that they're doing to because they they really are making major changes for their physical stability. And it would be nice to have her come and I think she'd be very willing. So I can connect the two of you if you'd like so she can present on that money. their secretary did reach out to us in November.

Um, and she had asked if it would be okay if if maybe she came in January once she got her feet more solid on the ground. Yes. And I said, "Absolutely. We understand. We want the best for that. So, you concentrate on fixing things and come see us in January." Okay. So, yes, I think it's probably time. Super.

Thank you. Number 14 is our annual appropriation to the child care. Oh, did I skip 12? Darn it. Okay. Oh, that's a good one, too. Number 12 is a motion to authorize the appropriation of $137,42.92 to the front of the court fund for fiscal year 2025. Friend of the court um actually received 66.67% 67% of their um funding through a federal state pass through for um certain services in regards to custody and um child support. And every year we appropriate the difference in that essentially for those non-coed items that come through. Um we are down roughly $30,000 in request for from 2025 to 2026. And this is in large part to um just really really good dive in and oversight and financial management in front of the court. Just really um making sure that the collections and the reimbursements are on par with what we're supposed to be getting. Um it's been it's been really great to see that.

Any questions? Okay. Number 13 um is the bad Michigan indigent defense fund. So 13 will be removed. Number 14 is the motion to authorize um to the childcare fund for fiscal year 2026. Um as the board I'm sure remembers, we did have referee Khini that came and presented their budget. Um, so this this appropriation was actually approved by the adoption of that budget, but I still like to put it in there because it's such a a a chunk of the general fund. Um, but I'd like people to know that this is a portion of your tax dollars that you pay when you get your bill in the mail. Um, this is where it goes to. Um, just as a reminder, the childcare fund is that is our adjudicated youth. That is oversight of adjudicated youth. Um, placement um, and at home services that go along with that as well. Um and we um for our small population in Ross Common and our small population of 18 and under, we do have a very active um childcare fund for that. Unfortunately, um the appropriation this year was 36947970. This is down approximately $81,000 from last year. Um there have been there has been an increase in the percent of at home care services. So really the state of Michigan is concentrating on not taking youth and putting them into facilities and focusing on what can you do to improve the home environment. Um what services are available and when you are utilizing those types of services they are reimbursing at 75%. That does not mean that um those in charge of our juvenile justice are not holding our

youth accountable. Um but you cannot be punitive when it comes to uh delinquent youth and it is rehabilitative and that is the focus the state wants to see. Number 15 is a motion to authorize the appropriation of $31,000 to the law library fund for fiscal year 2026. This is um the amount that will this plus $2,500 which comes from a formula that is statutory for penine collections um make up what pays for our law library which is a statutory requirement. Um 90% of our law library is online. So that has kept it um lower. And this summer we did have a presentation from our prosecuting attorney in regards to those upticks um that were happening in the pricings for that due to the inclusion of AI. So

any questions?

Number 16 is one that I don't even think that our children will see go away. Um, we have a closed we have a closed landfill. Roscom County used to have a landfill. Um, if you've never been there, would love to take you on a tour. It's nothing it's nothing fabulous. Um, but the landfill is closed. It's next to Rereath Riley's site off of 18 as you're heading into Holton Lake towards um the animal shelter. And because we had a landfill, um it requires monitoring. And in that process of monitoring, um we then have to not only pay somebody to come and take the leette that we pump out and pull that out, but then we have to pay somebody to test that. Those testing results go back to Eagle. Eagle reviews and then every year they tell us if we have to um still continue to pump what we have to test for. Um, we have two different items that were removed from our list of contaminants, but we added PIFA. So, um, there's there's no change in how much it's going to cost. The good news is there's no increase with the with the um addition of PIFA for 2026, but um the appropriation is $18,000 um to the landfill monitoring fund. Um, that would be in there. that's we pump um we start in the spring and we pump through probably October and that is something that our uh maintenance department does for us. Somebody drives out and it's literally two shed houses. I don't know how else to explain it um off of a gravel road that operate a pump that goes up the hill where everything's pulled out and plus down if you go wear tall boots because there are black snakes out there and I found that out the hard way. And that is the end of my list of motions. I said I

Okay, now we have the presentation of the proposed 2026 budget. Probably going to go over 10 o'clock. Um, I will preface by saying that all of the board did receive Monday um the big stack that Commissioner Mley has on her desk um via email to review um this year based on some conversations that um I actually did have with Commissioner Mley. I discovered a way to put notes into that for you. Um some of the areas that I know in previous years there have been questions on um just with the food and service contracts, what are dues paid for um for departments, um some generalized statutory um you know requirements or why do we have a jury board um who's in charge of the jury board? So those types of things on there and my thought was hopefully that would help um help help not only the board of commissioners but the public if they review it as well to understand um you know why are they wasting money on that? Well

sometimes you have no choice. So um some of those things are more expensive than others but there are laws that that we have [snorts] to follow. Um I did bring my full stack. um was not my idea to go through page by page by page because I know that the departments um have all presented in some fashion with the exception of um just a few. But um before I get started in my formal presentation, I do want to say that we do have three of four unions that we have those agreements with. Um so those wages and those benefits are included in the the pack that's in front of you. Um we have one outlier that we are meeting with um today and I am hopeful that we will be able to finalize a tentative agreement at a minimum on the benefits and on wages um which are the the general over overview of 261 fund which is our E911 central dispatch fund. So that budget being what it is um includes the market adjustment for wages and then the healthcare moved to the HMO um HSA 20% plan as well with a fully funded deductible through the HSA. So that is what is included in the 261 fund for wages and benefits for employees. um as we as we head into today um for that negotiation process that really is is the true focus. Um at this point um we are in open enrollment and I do know that Blue Care has said now that we have such a small population we would not be eligible for a shortterm plan. So, if the um if the union members were not able to come to that agreement today and

we do have to put them into the same plan that they're in now, um that would be a year plan. So, clearly that's going to affect our budget. However, that being said, um you'd also be looking at wages that wouldn't be able to increase because monetarily the county will not be able to afford that out of our 911 millillage fund. Um, so there wouldn't be a big change in in what you'd see for overall expenses. Um, but we would have to change make those budget adjustments in January. So if for some reason we're not able to come to some sort of a tentative agreement, um, we would essentially I would be asking you to pass a budget that isn't complete with all the information, but because we have to have a budget by the end of the year, we'd have to pass it with the knowledge that we have best at hand, I think. So it's my biggest preface. Um the the big packet is every um every fund with every department um line item by line item and it does outline the 2025 um amended budget. So the amend amendments we've made to the budgets to date for 2025 activity through 11:30 of 2025. There is a line for what department requested budgets came through. Um and there is also the last line which is the 2026 controller budget which would be what is presented in the annual budget. You will find as you have the time to digest and go line by line there are minimal changes this year on my end from what a department has requested. Um every department head and office holder um was truly committed to keeping expenses at a minimum. um they know that the true investment um in being able to provide good services is having um great employees and in making sure that our employees are happy and have longevity.

Um the more information, the more knowledge, more longevity um the better service that we can provide. So that has definitely been um core to this. So the overall budget includes the um wage scale that was proposed and is included for the motions. It includes the 5% premium, annual premium share for all employees with the exception of the one outlier union. Um, it also includes the increase in short-term disability to the $600. So, all of those individual benefits um that have been discussed and are still still awaiting final approval by the board of commissioners, those are all included in this. Um, so the really the really great news um for our budget overall and this is kind of more of my summary for you of everything that goes through. It will be available in a uh full packet online for the public as well and I will email it to you and it will have this actual budget included in there. Um, so I think the really big thing this year is looking at your visions as I'm going through and I was reviewing um over and over again what has been submitted. Um, I really took into account um the time that you guys spent on your vision and your areas um and thought about that statement of just being trusted, being um being good to our stakeholders, both our employees and our non-employees. And and I think that this really kind of nails it. I spent time trying to clarify um titles of line items so that if a member of the public wants to know what is spent in the controllers's office specifically for travel, it's easy to find. Um just putting a little bit more attention into that. Um and like I said, I really feel that our department head and our office holders um showed that same kind of dedication to to putting that into us. Um, obviously our general fund is

always going to be our biggest area of concern. That funds pretty much so everything we're statuto statutoily required to have. Um, and everything that supports that. And when I say support, I don't mean me and Noel. Um, I mean, uh, maintenance, I mean IT services, um, your equalization department, which is statutory, but supports those office holder positions, um, and supports the county by providing that service through, um, our current way of allocations of property taxes as they move through. Um, little things like the mail room and the mail, the mail machine, um, the main copier machine, ordering paper. So, those are all included in our general fund. Um, and again, I I like to remind people when you when you look at that that tax that shows up for general operating millage for the county, the general fund is what that goes to. Um, so those services of course include all of our ports. Um, they include all of the appropriations that were just outlined in the budget motions. So, that I think is a very important thing um for people to be aware of. They include little things that you're required to pay such as um we're reimbursing employer for unemployment. We have been very lucky for the most part with the exception of when we had to um close juvenile detention and we traditionally pay unemployment as a reimburing employer below $5,000 every year. So, um, and we are able to track that really well because we're paying, we'll pay in 2026, we pay 2025's bill, basically. So, we keep track of that on a spreadsheet of how much is coming in and coming out. Um, I trust the state of Michigan's calculations when they send me the bill, but I don't. So, um, we double check that in our office as well. Obviously, you're looking at, um, major cost centers in the general fund. Um, reports are major cost centers that come

through. they have um we have some courts that have you know statutory fees and fines. Um but you'll see that both courts have a decrease in what's available to be collected this year. Um so that is a portion of that you have your prosecuting attorney's office um clerk register of deeds treasurer's offices all included fund. So where does that leave us um for the general fund for this year? Finally, um, and happily, due to good good fiscal management, it it really has been a good year last year and this year, um, we actually are going to be looking at, um, a a positive of 213,000 roughly that will remain as not needed budgeted. So, 1.75% of our total overall 2026 expenses that can be utilized to be put towards our fund balance. Now, we are headed into the year um 2026 with an anticipated fund balance of about 19% and a goal of 18. So, that puts you in very solid financial standing again with the budget as it's being presented. Um we do have a 2% lower increase rate in our taxable value growth than we did last year for what is brought in. Um but still it rose an average of 4.35% across all of our millage funds and it was 4.34% increase for just the general fund at Valorum tax. on your very first page of the budget, page one, which is your primary revenues. Um, this is of your 12 million general fund budget. Um, this is where 8,533 $12822

um 33,12822 comes from. So this is this is the bulk of your revenues. Um of that 6,427,623.77 cents is that adalorum tax that we collect for operating. Um so there is a large a large chunk. Obviously in this we also have areas um such as the swamp tax that's collected. We've had a lot of discussions on that with our um special assessment districts that have come through. Um, so that is your payment in lie of taxes from the state of Michigan for their state-owned properties. Um, I will tell you that that does not come close to what the property tax is, and I would love to see that go up, but it's not going to happen this year. Um, we have our state revenue sharing that's given to us. Um, and there was a big deal made that um, they didn't decrease our statutory county revenue sharing this year. Um, so it did remain flat. So $648,755 of the $ 8.5 million is from county revenue sharing that comes through. The rest of them tend to come through um kind of more miscellaneous. We do receive court funding from the state of Michigan um to help offset the costs for running our courts. Um, when I say that it is $159,700 of probably over a million dollars in expenses to run our courts, but it's better than nothing, so we'll take it. Um, that is a small increase over what we have seen in the last few years, and they use an average of um an average of court cases or deciding how much of their pot of money gets dispersed out to each county annually. Um, and most of these figures are all figures that somebody prints a report out and you find them online and you put them in there. So

that overall um gives us an increase um to our revenues and puts us to a good start as we go through our budget. Now, one of the other areas that you'll see as you go through the budget, um the proposed budget, that is what I consider to be a significant increase, you will actually see that in our jail. Um which is not normally an area where I've ever said we have a significant increase in revenues. um they have actually um anticipated $168,113.74 more um in housing costs for revenues um and that is due to two two areas small small area to that Ascot County inmate that we have that's coming through um but our jail administrator and our sheriff did um put into place a new contract for housing of federal inmates and that increased our rate for the housing of federal inmates in there. So, that is where a a chunk of those revenue increases come from. Um, the offset of that is that uh even with the changes in wages and benefits that have have moved forward in the jail for 2026, the overall expenses have only increased $87,000. So, for our jail, um, which is a $2 million operation, that's pretty huge. That's a pretty huge number that they've been able to to look at things and streamline functions as they've come through for that. So overall with our general fund revenue comparisons for 2025 to 2026, we are looking at a 5.64% increase in overall revenues. So we are looking at a budget that moves from 11,499,240.78 to 12,147,72478.

Um that comes from that primary primary fund that front page for the increases. You also see um some some smaller increases for collections in equalization. That is um those are increases in the contract costs and services that are performed for uh townships that choose to have equalization do certain duties for them. Um obviously the jail as I mentioned there's an an uptick in revenues anticipated for your jail. Um, additionally, we did see um small increases in revenues for our treasurer's department and our clerk register of deeds offices. And for for the most part, our courts have remained steady in their revenues, which is which is a good thing. Despite um despite some of the mandates that have changed, you know, you can't make parents pay for bad things kids do anymore. Those types of things that have come down the pike, it has remained flat. So 5.6 6 4% growth overall. That being said, our general fund expenses for comparison um are slightly lower. It is an increase of 5.54%. So that is where you see that $213,000 difference um with our expenses being less than what our anticipated revenues are. Your general fund um expenses are slated to increase in the proposed budget. Um 11,38,123.15 11,934 one 934,18822 um we do not have a large increase in where we anticipate um our appropriations to come through. Obviously the change in wages bringing everybody up to that market value um

plays an impact in many budgets. Um, another area is um we have that growing unfunded liability payment to Merse and we are looking this year at about a 12% increase over last year. Um, we will cons continue to see that growth for about another 3 to four years before we flatten out. And that is simply um that is simply a result of market failures because all of that money was invested. And the more those investments are worth, the smaller our unfunded liability is. Um, but our calculations now through MERS are very conservative. I think they learned their lesson. Um, when that crash came in 2008, we went from being 92% funded to 63% funded. So that's where that big change came from. So now we are playing catch-up. Um overall for the defined um defined benefit portions for people that retained that and for our grandfathered employees that either are still receiving it or have someone receiving it as a beneficiary. Um about 70% of what we pay to MS for that is that unfunded liability. So the true cost of what the defined pension um is is is roughly 30% of of the overall. And what's a rest what's a rust estimate of the bill that you pay to to Mars?

Uh it was 1.1 over the last year. Y so 1.1 million overall and 70% of that being unfunded liability. Um say that again 1.1 million over the last year.

So 1.1 million was the total and of that 70% being unfunded liability versus actual true cost of paying for the pension. When you go through the budget for your general fund expenses, um you will see some some very specific things that are a little bit different than last year. Um we do obviously have um the allocation set for the LLCS appropriations. That is $10,000 per lake level that has been committed annually for the entirety of the special assessment districts. Um essentially that money then is an appropriation. it will be a transfer out to those individual funds that are specific to uses for um Lake St. Helen, Hotton Lake, and Higgins Lake. So, that's your $10,000 contribution annually to those buckets as they go. Um so, that's just one area I wanted to highlight. A few of the areas that um to me, they always look a little bit bigger when you look at percentages. um your housing department. We pay for housing. We pay for the uh telephone in the housing department and we pay for them to have a copy machine. When you look at the percentage increase, it says 38.46% and you think, "Wow." But what I'd caution you is to look over to what that actual number is. So, it's going from $650 annually to $900 annually. So yes, it's a 38% increase, but it's actually a small small portion of our budget budget as we move through.

Madam Chair, sorry, you're on the housing. Can you explain that because that was something I learned new recently, not housing as we probably think of housing. Yes. Share with us how that works in our county.

So our housing department is not um to build housing. It is not new housing. There was a point in time 40 years ago when when it did have the opportunity to do that um with shared grant services and we still have interest that comes in off of that and housing payments that are made. But what our housing um what our housing department does now and it is a contracted service. We um have a shared service with Crawford County. So, Crawford County agreed to contract with Ross Common County to provide services specifically to facilitate the um Misha PIP program. That's property improvements. So, it is not to build a new house. Um it is for people who meet specific criteria um income criteria that can be proven and it is it is a packet that they fill out to bring in to do it. Um, and that all lots them the opportunity to receive funding for roof replacements, for well replacements, um, windows, mold removal. The two that we see the most are roofs and wells, I will be honest. Um, and those can be anywhere from $9,000 to $15,000 projects as they come through. Um, so our housing department oversees that process. Um, in order to have those grants and gift those grants out, um, we do have to have, uh, someone certified in the Misha processes. And that person is responsible for not only verifying that the income requirements are met, but they also have to do weekly site visits while that's going on, take pictures, make documentation. Um, so that is what our housing department does.

It's a loan that people are applying for. It's a loan. It's not

Yep. It is a no interest loan essentially that comes through. Um there is some portions that may have small interest and then that interest that we collect goes back into the bucket to be redistributed out to other people along with those small payments from those houses we sold 40 years ago to people. So y and they have their own they have their own funds specifically for that as well. So, we simply pay for the phone and the Xerox for that contracted service so that we can have them um here a minimum of one day a week in order to be face toface with our with our people that come in and need help. Um otherwise, they come and they see Joe in our office and we assist with um passing out the applications and um aligning them with the housing department. So, thank you, Joe, because that was not one of those duties she signed on for, but it's important. Um, other areas in the general fund that will um definitely kind of look under those expenses that will certainly uh catch your eye as you're going through. Um, we do have an increase in our management information systems budget from 268 35824 to 341-48699. that is specific to um a couple projects that are planned projects and budgeted projects in our 2026 budget. Um we have a telephone replacement. So everybody has a telephone that sits at our desk. Um it is a fancy business telephone um just like every other office in the world. And there is actually technology that supports that. um and that technology is going away and being improved. And so we will be allocating roughly 19,000 to that as we move forward for that project for its oversight. Um and that is one of those

areas that that is kind of outlined under uh under your budget as a note on that budget. Um so that is a full telephone system and hardware hardware upgrade and replacement that moves forward. Additionally on that budget, um we do have a overhead announcement system for the entirety of the county building. Um fun facts for our county that there is no way to have a fire um notification that goes throughout the entirety of the building. Um there is no way to communicate um after shooter type of communications to that tornado warnings. Um so this is a system that through our um court security which is by by monthly meetings that occur um and through our emergency management director and sheriff have been noted as a needed improvement for safety and security of employees and then our citizens that are here. Because if you're in the hallway um and there is a active shooter or more likely a fire, you will have no idea that you're supposed to evacuate. Um, and if you're in my office, you're not going to know either. So, it's just there's there's no communication method for that. Um, so there are some fire alarm polls, but there are not fire alarm poles on all ends of the building either. So, that's kind of one of those fun things. One of the other areas um for MIS for the information management information services information technology that I just wanted to point out that's a a larger cost to us um is our server contract that we do have that is a $45,000 um annual contract and that is for um update and maintenance of the server. Um it's not for odd things. If something odd happens and we have to pay them to come out, that's a separate pay. Um, but is for the basics of having and maintaining a server servers as they as

they roll through everything. Building and grounds is another department um that I wanted to make sure I touched on with you. Um, ground departments. Obviously, we have a new um we have a new department head and um transitioning into that role. we were a little later in being able to sit down because I wanted to give him some time to walk around the building and see kind of prioritize projects and things that they came across. Um so there are two projects specific in the buildings and ground budget um to be highlighted and outlined that have actually shown that budget to have an increase for 2026. Um one of those is uh kind of a smaller project but still important. Um in that same court security uh meetings and in the um recommendations of the sheriff and the emergency management um we have in each courtroom when you walk into the courtroom there are doors in an actual courtroom that are employee entrance only doors. Those doors do not have a do not have card lock systems on them. So they are not secure doors at this point. Um, so there is in the budget roughly $10,000 for those secured access doors to be updated. Um, additionally, um, in the budget is planning for, um, sidewalk replacement and repairs. If you walk the entirety of our complex, we are responsible for our sidewalks. Um, we did have a small portion that was repaired through the sheriff's um, sheriff's budget this year, but we still have everything else that walks around. they are chipping, cracking, and crumbling. Um, and it takes one good slip and fall. And the amount of money that we will spend on that will be pennies compared to what we will owe somebody. Um, and that's just one of the things we're doing really well is we've switched how we're doing our liability insurance. And I don't want to see us have to pay more if we don't have to due

to um due to those types of projects. We are going to um our department head man and myself are going to apply for a grant through the um wraps grant which is the uh risk avoidance program through the MMRMA liability insurance. You'll see that in a couple of the revenues as they go through and that will allow for a partial reimbursement up to $2,500. And this is just the type of thing that they love to see us submit for. Um we randomly submit for everything we think could potentially be covered. The worst thing they do is say no. So the process is easy and short. Um and a lot of times they are they are very specific to that as well. Madam chair, quick question on that.

So does this budget hope you get that or is this worst case scenario if we don't get that money this will be the budget? So we are anticipating getting $2,500 that is anticipated in our revenues. Okay. Yes. Yes. Then we would be asking for 213,000 minus 2500 to be gone to the fund balance for that. Um the odds of um the odds of them turning us down are probably 5%. They're pretty low for this type of a project. Heard that before. I was just making sure I understood the numbers. Thanks.

Yep. And we traditionally we will traditionally budget for those grants um in the departments that have those type of annual upgrades because we've been really good about getting them and being specific to those programs. um our under sheriff and jail lieutenant are in are like, "Hey, I think this qualifies for this grant. I'm going to send it in for submission." Okay. So, if we apply for four, we get two. So, we budget for two. Um we do have one area that uh we have a couple areas in the general fund that are simply passroughs, but one that I know has raised some questions um in in comments is our department 245, which is survey and remonumentation. Um people are like what the heck is that? So essentially this is a pass through state gives us money. Um it'll be the same amount this year as it was last year 47,868 to have people go out and find those original land survey corners that have been placed out in Ross Common County. Um we do have someone who administrates that program and we have a um land surveyor who is the the lead on the project to coordinate the other land surveyors. Um but there is no county contribution to that um stands that small portion um of the register of deeds fees that come in and pass over. So yes, thank you. Um so that's one of those areas that that I just wanted to touch on. Um they are to the point in that program now and we will have somebody come in January or February to give you a a full update. Um most likely I will see if Maryers can come because he's the one that's been heading that as a surveyor. Um but they are getting to what I call the mucky corners. They're in swamps now looking for things. So it's going to take a little bit longer. Processes will slow down as they go. So

we do have an increase in the soil erosion um revenues and we also have an increase in soil erosion expenses. That is their portion of making a move to a full-time equalization cir clerk. You will also see that noted in the equalization budget as well um as you go line item by line item. Um and again it's not an equal split. It's based on hours allocated to each department. Um, so the benefits are also split that way as well as you move through. We have a gubanatorial, did I say that correctly? That's my favorite word. Election. Um, and um, elections is very um, very secular with where those revenues and expenses expenses expenses increase um, for those costs. again limited revenues that come in to reimburse for elections and the state mandates have made costs um increase not only for the county but our townships exponentially. Um but you will see that there is a change u major change in 2025 to 2026 but that is specifically because it is it is an election year um as we move forward and uh that is also noted just kind of noted in there that the um office supplies actually includes those things such as purchase of ballots and township precinct kits across the board which our clerk's office as well most other areas of the general fund budget are fairly flat or the increases are specifically related to um wages and changes in benefit structure. Um if there is um we have one department that that department had a change um sheriff administration fund there was actually a change from someone who has never taken our benefits before that is now going to be solely responsible for their family benefits. So obviously you're going to see a $30,000 increase in that line item because someone who used to be on a

different plan now has to take county insurance. Um trending across the board through all of our departments and all of our funds. Um our employees are the primary um primary home biller in their homes. So we employ a lot of um we employ a lot of people who are the main bread winner. um and carry the health insurance for them as well. We actually found this year when we sent the survey out for cash and loo that we lost three people that last year had said still here and said they might consider cash and loo and it's obviously we didn't change the benefit structure from what we were moving to. um it's just the benefits of that they thought they could go to are actually um either their employer their spouse has lost their job or those benefits have made the change where um the employee can no longer be on as a spouse if they offer it here. So there definitely are changes across the board that have been coming through as we move as we move forward with that. Moving forward just a little bit more. Um there is a section in the um proposed annual budget packet that I provided to you today that talks a little bit about our wages and salaries. Um this public understand that um Ros County Board of Commissioners does have a compensation and classification policy and process in place. This was to be reviewed in December of 2024 and have an updated policy. So there's one we got out of the way. So that's and I think it's a pretty good one. Um and it just just really showing that um this process for having that wage and salary advisory committee um conduct that annual analysis um they are using tools that were established and invested in that are are what a compensation analyst does. Um and they are looking at comparable counties that are true

comparable counties, not Grand Traverse County, not Wayne County. Um and then looking looking at that full picture of the benefits and the actual wages to date. Um so that process is really outlined um in page eight of that document and again highlights that the budget includes a recommendation of the 4% market adjustment for grades 1 through six and a 3% cost of living um increase across all grade levels as well. Um and talks a little bit more about our bargaining unit positions. Um just kind of for for some oversight. Obviously, you guys have heard this information. Um, but a market analysis was conducted as well for the process of going into negotiations. And overall, for all of our public safety positions, um, 911, correction, sheriff, deputy, security, marine patrol, or RV patrol, we were found to be 13% below comparable counties. And that was taking into that's taking into account that change in benefits for 2026 that has come up come on board as well. There is an outline under under this as well for our healthcare benefits. Um we did have a cap of a 9% increase for that HMO HSA plan this year. And now, of course, that that cap has been beneficial to us in our in our budgets moving forward um and has allowed the board to um commit hopefully um or allow me to include into the proposed budget that full funding for the um twoerson family and single person um deductibles for each plans for everybody's fun. Um and I know that Commissioner Mortley already said this was one of the questions she has. Um this packet actually has an explanation of what each budgeted fund is. Um again we always talk about the general fund because it provides so much um is our

limited resources of revenues to provide so much of the statutory services that people count on being here on a day-to-day basis. They want to come down and get their marriage license. They want to file a PO. Those are all things that happen out of the general fund um that citizens use on a regular basis. And this is this is where it comes from. Um, but this then provides a a more detailed um little detailed information on those other funds that you see as you're going through the budget and have never heard of before or have forgotten they exist because we don't really use them. Um, warehouser cleanup fund is probably my favorite because that's the one that it took me a couple years to figure out what it was. The title of it actually goes back to landfills and it goes back specifically to a certain type of contaminant that was associated with warehouser productions across the state of Michigan. Um, and this actually was originally the account was the original bond that we had to put aside. Um, and then now all interested on that said bond and that has to be held for escrow potential for the landfill. So, um, our treasurer, uh, has invested this and this is where we account for any of the interest that comes off of that, um, bond and we have to report annually to the state of Michigan where that bond is and that it's still in a fund that it's separate and accounted for. And at any point in time, they could come and claim that bond. Um, we have tried a couple times to cash it in and have not been successful. Just Yeah. So, they get $100,000 set aside and we're there. Um,

Madam Chair, yes. When I was reviewing the budget online, this came to my mind that this would be really helpful. Look at that. You're saying I did good. Thank you. I did good. Y

um you'll go through and you'll see uh a couple of the funds that have larger larger lar larger budgets. Um, but they're not specifically our funds to manage the day-to-day. Um, but they are fidicial responsibilities for collections and distributions. Um, county road commission fund, which is fund 2011, um, they're about a $12 million fund, that is an in-n-out that processes through. Um, so those funds come in and are collected by the treasurer and then dispersed to to the county. Um we have a little bit more oversight for the special road millillage fund and that is because it is a countywide millillage um that goes through. 2026 is the last year of that current millillage for collections. Um essentially we know how much the millillage is going to bring in budget for the millillage amount to be brought in. There is actually a statute that tells you how you have to allocate that per road, per population, and per taxable value. Actually, it's not. It's SEV, which is always kind of funny. Um, so when this first came through years ago, um, Treasurer Reagan and myself sat down and made a spreadsheet, and that is how our now treasurer gets to decide how that's distributed here. Nobody likes it. Um, I'll just throw that out there. But then for this portion of it, um, as the road commission then expends those funds on the townships for the local roads, a copy of those expenses has to come back to our treasurer's office for verification that the right buckets have spent the right amount of money. So there is a little bit more oversight to that one as it goes through. Another area that um to me is one that you may have questions on is we do have a couple small ones. Um we have a court counseling fund which is 217. Um this is another one of those statutory funds

where um clerk ROD Stevenson collects money in her office and it goes to that fund. Um this is specific for counseling service that the court feels um may be necessary for um those services um such as domestic violence and child abuse. A small portion of this is allocated to our front of the court department which obviously is involved in those matters um $2,000 and that's um just about the gist of what it brings in every year as well. So we also have 218 which is our specialty hybrid court. um you'll see a decrease in revenues and expenses for that in 2026. Um this used to be a shared grant and it is a fully grantf funded court. Um there is no general fund allocations that are put into this. Um the agreement that was entered into when we became the fiscal agent for it was if there's not grant funding, there is no court. Um there are no more federal funds. the federal funds for this type of court have been um cut. So, the state has picked up the bill for 2026. So, we'll see where that goes moving forward. Um most of the other ones are pretty um we do have one other fund that's kind of kind of noteworthy. Um our animal control and animal shelter has fund 403 which is the animal shelter special projects. These are a state donations um or larger donations that have been made for a very specified purpose. Um we received one year almost $150,000 from an individual through their estate specific to improving the lives of our felines. Um so we can't use it for anything else because that is that is the tag that was attached to it. Um, and this year we are

actually planning on using um roughly 50,000 of that. I know that our director has plans to make improvements to the uh C condo area um for that money as it moves through. So just kind of an oddity of a fund that we have, but it was an important set aside so that we know um and somebody could come and say, "My grandfather left this money. What did you do with it?" We want to be able to to prove good on those things as they go. We do include in here um the tax payment fund for the county treasurer um mostly because there are ins and outs that come through that um and it is something that our accountant looks at every year. Um obviously you have a a plan in place and a policy in place for how that money is utilized and distributed um and rely heavily on the imp input of your treasurer for that as well. So it is overall um for all of our budget an interesting an interesting year. It the growth in general is is not huge. Um we have some funds that no longer have appropriations or funding in them such as the plan fund that is totally gone. So obviously there are no revenues or expenses that have been included in that. Um, but overall we are looking at a uh $41 million totality of a budget for expenses for Ross Common County across all funds. Um, my next question that I have is when did you want to have a special meeting so you can ask me all those questions before we have to approve the budget?

Madam Chair, yes. Special Assessment Districts funds. We have four drain districts, not three. We have what? Four drain districts, not three. We have four drain districts. District. Page 15. Oh, so I'm You're regular in my counting. Okay. Oh, St. Helen St. Helen. No, I didn't know whether you meant active by No, they're not moneywise. And I It's St. Helen that I forgot. active until of all the drain districts we have that I forgot that. Thank you. I would propose that we have a special meeting next Wednesday.

11 o'clock. 11 o'clock. Good. Does that work for you, Michelle? Bro, we will be done before 3 o'clock. Will we be done before 3 o'clock? I would hope that we would be done before 3:00. We should be [laughter] with all of what Jody gave us today and the explanations. Absolutely. Available to meet with any commissioner email, text, phone call at any point in time. Madam Chair, just a couple quick just Yep. so we don't keep calling you if you don't need it. But so there's only one union left, correct?

Hoping maybe even by when we do the special meeting, we'd have that updated. Yes, ma'am. These numbers do not reflect any potential change from them. Not at this point. No. Correct. So this is asis and it may change. Got it. You mentioned cash in lie of Can you explain because I don't know if everyone gets that. I think there's only a few that were grandfathered in years ago. Could you maybe explain that a little bit for me? I'll let Noel take over. She's the expert.

So [clears throat] correct. Um there Cash and Lou was eliminated. um for our non-union physicians um in 2017 um moving forward. So at that time there were um a few grandfathered employees. The rule was that or and it still is you're allowed to continue. If you do change at any time during an open enrollment um then that in loo would go away and you're no longer eligible for that. Um our union positions um they were also grandfathered um anybody who was here from um before they are locked in at those rates. Anybody after that are locked into um much smaller rates. Um it's uh forgive me I'm not going to remember the exact total off my head but it's like $1,000 a year for a single and like 202500 for

um yep that's what that makes sense that's kind of what I thought I understood approximately how many people are still in that bucket non-union six or seven um I think more like six and um not union I think we have this ballpark. I don't need to It's maybe five or six. I was going to say 11 or 12 people. Yeah. Okay. Of 150 benefit eligible employees.

And in the American Rescue Act funds, this was obviously prior to me when those funds were sent out to different various groups. Did have those groups come back? I mean, you say it's all used, but have they presented and said what they've used that money for and how it's working? So, some of them have. Okay.

Um, the one that I think we did a large allocation to, the only one that I know that we have not had any kind of follow-up report to because they had to send into me quarterly reports and expense reports. that was a part of that oversight um and then compiling all that data to submit to the federal government um was Trton Hston Academy and they did receive um 1.5 million to build the um Lake Superior that big building with the trades and daycare and so that's the only area that we have not had somebody come back and say this is exactly how it was used for presentations. Um other than that, the some of the other major donor major major allocations were made to um the United Way, which they've been here several times.

Okay. Um and the last time they were here, they ran out of they were done with money. So they had expended and those were for um like utility, house payments, those types of things. Those were fully expended. I'm trying to think who else was like a major maf. Yep. And they obviously they come annually. I believe actually director Younger will be here next week, but really Charlton Hston is the one that has not provided any kind of a solid update. That helps. Thank you. Any other questions? I guess the big takeaway that I have is because the hard work and diligence of the county employees, our county is in fiscal fiscally good shape.

I think that I would say yes. Um and I would I would say a couple different things. are at play. Um obviously just overall our economy has in the last few years despite the fact that some of our funding sources overall have decreased. Um we've at least tapered off like we're not seeing you know they're not anticipating cost of living increases above 7% for social security those types of areas. Um, but our department has been office holders, the ones that I've been with since I've been here, the ones that have come since, they really have always tried to manage well. Um, but I think it is I do think it is helpful that we have a board that is willing to talk to um, financial policies that kind of help guide the decision-making process. It helps me to sit down and to go through that budget and say, "Okay, knowing that this is important and this is important." Um, no, I know that if you come to me and you tell me that the three part-time employees in your office want to be made full-time, we are not in a growth stage. This board is not in a growth stage. Um, we are in a solidify um, statutory stage. So, I would say those things all kind of coupled together. Um so good fiscal policy and oversight um coupled with all the due diligence of our department heads have have placed us in a position where we don't have to take a fund balance balance a budget. Um we don't even have to think about it or should we ever think about it but we don't have to do that. Um so yes we are we are in definitely in a solid place.

Anything else? With nothing further, we will this meeting will be adjourned and our next meeting will start at 10:50. And I need a drink to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Roll call of board members, please. Milbour here. Mley here. Wolson Russo. Spencer here. The presentation of the 2025 Russ common county person of the year. At this time, Commissioner Milbour, would you present that award?

Thank you, Madam Chair. I appreciate the opportunity today. Before uh we present the award, I'd like to read the writer for Bruce and Maria. It it'll be short. For many years, Bruce and Maria Bentley have extremely active and engaged members of the whole lake VFW Post 4034 and have been intricately involved in dozens of parades, honor guard, and burials of deceased veterans in our community. In addition, Bruce and Maria Bentley have distributed over 120 120 honor quilts deserving veterans and have been instrumental in coordinating the veterans coffee hour at the blit airport. During those many years, Bruce and Maria have both have been actively and participatorial members of the Hol Global Methodist Church and have been highly involved with the Roscom County Food Pantry and they jointly served on an 8-day humanitarian mission to an average area in Mexico in February 2025. Furthermore, Bruce served during the Vietnam War and retired from the Navy Marine Corps after 20 years of faithful and honorable service. Might add, he collects many medals. Because of exceptional military service, Bruce was recognized and honored by the Homeland Chamber as the hometown hero for Tip Uptown 2021 for his unwavering patriotism, stellar accomplishes, and dedicated service to our nation, the state of Michigan, and to the citizens of Roscom County. Moreover, a major capstone capstone legacy and passion of Bruce and Maria's Bentley's life and why they so richly deserve this prestigious recognition as they have together and I'd like to be able to say the word together have exemplified a true and faithful leaders of the husband and wife team for the Ross common toys for program. Bruce and Maria Bentley have been involved in the Marine Corps's voice for Top program for over 20 years and has coordinated the last seven years, organizing hundreds of volunteers in smooth running and effective operation that has resulted thousands of deserving children in our county to receive Christmas toys. Under their stellar and exacting leadership, Bruce

and Maria Bentley have have been pivotal in providing over 37,000 toys, 5,72 books, 19,697 stocking stuffers to children and families of Roscom County from 2018 to 2025. Bruce and Marie have are united as a team of one and as a team of one and I would like to mention as a team of one is sign sign is this how how you guys are act have greatly and forever positively impacted this community and thousands of childrens and families therefore let it be known that Bruce Maria Bentley as a husband and wife team jointly received and are bestowed the honor and privilege of the title Ross common county person of the year 2025 Michelle Move to adopt resolution number 2025-12-01 naming Bruce and Maria Bentley as Roscom County's 2025 persons of the year. Resolution number 2025-12-01 resolution of tribute for Rosscommen County Persons of the Year 2025. Whereas Bruce and Maria Bentley, long-term residents of Ross Common County, have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to improving our county, one family at a time. And whereas they contribute tirelessly to many Ross Common County civic organizations, including Toys for Tots, Honor Quilts, Ross Common County Food Pantry, and Veterans Support Groups. And whereas the Bentleys consistently go above and beyond the efforts of most dedicated citizens, using their strength and optimism to make a positive impact in communities across the county. And whereas their unwavering integrity, compassion, and vision have improved the lives of families and individuals throughout Ross Common County and set a shining example of excellence and service. Now, therefore, be it resolved that Mr. Bruce Bentley and his wife, Mrs. Maria Bentley be hereby recognized and honored as Ross Common County's 2025 persons of the year for their outstanding contributions, remarkable achievements, and enduring legacy.

Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on. [applause] I have a motion. I need a second. Second. Any discussion? Thank you both so much. Roll call, please. Russo, excuse me. Sorry, Mley. Yes. Milbour. Yes. Wolson. Yes. Sensor. Yes. Resolution adopted. Now you [applause] [applause]

over here, Bruce. And the chairman gave gave you a few minutes to be able to address the crowd if you so so feel inclined. You did too. Yes. Thank you. real quick. [applause] I just want to say [clears throat] I'm not going to choke up and I'm not a crier, but I got a little misty eye.

I' I'd like to thank Mark for the nomination and the commissioners for the vote. It's the 35th anniversary for Toys for Tots in Ros started many many years. No, 1990. That year they had if I remember right 25 families and 104 toys and they delivered them the addresses. It's not going to happen this year. We um just went over 800 children with three or four days to go for this year. Over 400 families, but we couldn't do it. There's two individuals here, Carolyn and Jim, that came over. There's just two of the volunteers, and we've been blessed. We couldn't do it without the volunteers, without the businesses that step up, provide. Every time you've dropped a teddy bear in a box, they're part of the program. And I couldn't be more proud than to be able to take care of the families in Roscom County. I mean, Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I I just want to say thank you. I really don't deserve this because I don't do it as much as he does and everybody else does.

Don't believe that for a minute. Just believe it. And I don't do it by myself. He helped me. That's why I have He's telling that too. Yeah. He been keeping always with me. And And I get lost. When I get lost, I say, "Jesus, I need you." and he comes to my rescue cuz I get lost in the parking lot. So, [laughter] so he helps and all the volunteers help and everybody's really nice people and help. Thank you a lot.

When she says she doesn't, she has to count everything that we collect. So far this year, it's over 2,200 toys that she's counted, over 1,500 stocking stuffers. And we've been blessed this year because, you know, um, Ros Common County, I haven't been able to get the books that I've wanted. This year, we're over a thousand books collected. It's really going to help. Thank you. Thank you.

And we're going to leave because we're late. Okay. Thank you. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

Approval of the agenda.

Any discussion? Roll call. Spencer. Yes. Mley, yes. Milburn,

yes. Motion carried. Approval of the consent agenda. In the consent agenda, we have meeting minutes from November 12th special meeting and November 19th regular meeting. Class A's in the amount of $675,531.90 and claims and accounts in the amount of $176,899.81 correspondences with MSU the Michigan Township Association agending agenda and meeting minutes. MAC legis legislative updates. We had no monthly department reports. Um we had our controller report. Um do I have a motion to accept the consent agenda?

Do I have a second? I'll second. Roll call, please. Milurn, yes. Spencer, yes. Wolson, yes. Mley, yes. Motion carried. Public comment on agenda items only. Is there any public comment on agenda items? Come on up.

Just made a couple notes here. Eric Ostren, uh, prior uh, commissioner of this board. Uh, first of all, I want to commend specifically the leadership of this board for the hard work you guys did on the numbers. I know how hard this stuff is and I know how much work you put into it. So, I I think you all should be commended on getting the numbers where they're at that Jody reflected. I know uh I know it's a lot of hard work. Uh the other thing I want to talk about is Higgins Lake and uh Botton and Lake St. Helen. Right now, Higgins Lake is 7.44 in below summer level and 1.44 44 in below the maximum winter draw down substantially out of compliance. Uh the last report that I received on H Hotton and Lake St. Helen was on 1124. I don't know what's going on with the Hi-Fi reports. Have not been receiving them since uh 11:24. So you guys might want to check into that if you've discontinued using them. I don't know if that's what the case is or not. The last one that I received on uh on H Hotton Lake, the uh level was 2.2 two inches below the summer level, 3.92 inches above the maximum winter law draw down, which is perfectly in compliance. So, you're in great shape there. Lake St. Helen is48 in above the summer level, 6.488 inches above the uh the winter draw down. And I believe I'm not sure if the winter draw down has been disbanded or not yet. Uh not yet. Okay. So, you still haven't got the structure in there for that. So, uh I just wanted to make those notations. Hopefully, uh, I know you're working on a permit, but if you can't get the level up to the legal level on Higgins, why worry about water going over the top of the dam? Because if the water isn't up to the top of the dam, you're not going to get much going over the top of the dam. So, the very minor minor things that you're working on is not going to be sufficient at all to get the levels on Higgins back where they need to be. So, hopefully uh

hopefully you guys are going to be working on that. It's only been since uh 2019. The lawsuit was filed on you guys and you you found out of uh out of order in 2023. Now this is 2025 almost 2026 and not one thing has been done there yet except putting the il rocks that were illegally removed back in 2014 by this commission. So that need you need to do some more work on that and uh and get Higgins back up because it's so far below summer level right now. By next summer we're going to we're going to have a real problem. Thank you. Thank you. Any other public comment on agenda items? Do we have any visitors? Unfinished business. Um H Hotton Lake. Um, I did receive um an email um from Tom Smith with Prina Newuhoff and he had a meeting with the gate manufacturer regarding the new outlet structure design. They have decided on a preliminary gate layout for width and height. The gate manufacturer is preparing a plan that they would use to design the rest of the structure details. Once they have that, they'll begin finalizing the gate layout and working on permit requirements, including the necessary hydraulic modeling. They are still on schedule.

Um, yes,

on that issue, um, I think we need to have a meeting with the engineers, maybe brief. Um, I feel there's going to be a control house for the hydraulics and I feel it should be incorporated in the dam design, not a separate building. Um, and also I think we should have a visual gauge somewhere that can be seen by the public when they visit the dam site that immediately tells them where the lake level is. And I think we need to talk to the engineers and make sure those are incorporated into the project if possible.

Okay. I can reach out to Tom and also out to Chase and see if we can get something scheduled so that you can bring your ideas forward. It could be just a phone conference or doesn't have to be a Zoom, I guess. Okay. Yes. Question for Commissioner Wilson. So, are you talking about on the Holton Lake? Yes. East, right? Okay. So, is that committee because I know we're forming our Higgins Lake one. So, is that the committee that looks at all those options and presents them back or is it some how does that process work?

So, once the design So, the committee for H Hotton Lake has already met, right? Okay. Once the engineers get f far far enough with the design, they'll go back and represent to that group, which could include some of these additional suggestions. Well, it it costs more to go back and re-engineer the design to incorporate them than if you just do it automatically right up front. Right. I was just curious about how that if that had already been suggested and it just didn't get put in or if this is something separate that you just thought of that you want to add to it. That's all. I've talked to Chase about it. Okay. So far we haven't gone anywhere with it. Okay. Thanks.

Um Commissioner Wilson, do you want to give up an update on USGS for H Hotton Lake?

Um yeah, we know we made a commitment to go back to USGS on H Hotton Lake and St. Helen. Um, since then, JOD has got a cost back from USGS. The cost for a three-year period of maintaining and also reinstalling them on the two legs is $70,000. And you know, we I guess the last time we talked about it, we decided to do this. Um, it seems kind of pricey, but it is what it is. And so, I guess I'm just looking for general consensus to move ahead and, you know, because we'd like to have them get on this as soon as possible.

Yes, Mark. It's imperative that we do this as soon as we can. Talk about public trust. We want to make sure we get the information out to the public as quickly as we possibly can. So, I'm in totally favor. Understand the 70k price line seems high, but it's important for us to get the information to the public. I'm supportive of it. I I assume, you know, we have a yearly fee and get a bill yearly for the maintenance, but I think we'll get a bill for the initial install immediately. Is that correct?

Let's do it as soon as we possibly can. So, just so everybody knows, the initial install is $17,000 per lake. Um, they're only charging us the 3,000 for the monthly. And 2026, figuring it's going to be a partial year. And then 2027 and 2028 is 7,500 per lake each year. And that's how that 70,000 comes about. Just for anybody that doesn't have this in front of them because it was taken out. Well, they can answer it. Yeah, you can.

They have to reinstall the equipment and my guess is it's going to be updated equipment and they also have to do some survey for benchmarks to calibrate the equipment.

Okay. Higgins Lake. Um I did send a group email out to all the advisory committee members letting them know that once the water budget analysis was um finished that a meeting would be scheduled. Um we got notice that there are some worn pieces on both sides of the walkway on the structure. Chase has been made aware of this and he will um be taking a look and provide us with recommendations on how to get this finished. He also sent us an email this morning letting us know that the permit that we have been waiting on um has been hung up with waiting for Michael size to take a look at it and Michael size um through a phone conversation I believe um called him back. There were some things he was concerned about as far as the amount of water that it potentially could restrict going down the cut. Chase let him know that um in his opinion that that was kind of an obsolete because further down the cut the culvert there restricts how much water can actually get through that culvert. So he can only open one gate at a time anyway.

Sure. When the first year he was there, he opened one and a half or something like that. And within minutes, it raised the river up a foot. So he doesn't know what's going to happen with that, but he said as as soon as we know more, we'll know more. Do you have anything more for Higgins? No. And then Yes. Was that We're just waiting on Michael to respond to Chase's response. At this point, Michael has to either put that in

put something in the permit. Either he accepts it or he doesn't and this is why what he's looking for. And then it will go back to Sarah and then from there um Lake St. Helen, Madam Chair, yes. I'd like to say on that on the good side, he did call up Chase. I mean, you know, we're working together. That's a good that's a plus. Better communication and cooperation than we've had in the past. So, that's positive. I was just trying to figure out.

Yeah, I've emailed Sarah every single week um asking her where this is at, where's it at, as minute [clears throat] as it may be because we are under the legal level. But these are things that come spring Chase wants in place and so she has responded within matter of minutes to my emails. Nice. So Lake St. Helen

um not much new on that. Um I contacted the township about doing away with a winter level. They had no concerns on it. And I made a contact with the St. Helen Shooting Club. I went down there that Friday, met two duck hunters coming off the lake, gave him my card, told him I need to talk to somebody in charge of this. I think his name was Boy. Um he was more or less their attorney and spokesperson um because he had contacted us before. um never heard anything from him. So a week later I sent an email out to Jim Johnson who was from the shooting club and he is also on the advisory committee for that case and run the whole matter past him. Have not heard anything from him yet. We may not hear any response from them. They're kind of a private organization like that. Okay. Um, new business. We don't have anything under there. So, motions and resolutions whenever our clerk is ready. Motion number two, move to adopt the 2026 holiday closure schedule for Rosscom County as attached. Holiday closure schedule coordinates with schedule.

Second. Any discussion? Roll call, please. Mley, yes. Wolson, yes. Spencer, yes. Milurn, yes. Motion carried. Motion number three, [cough] move to adopt the 2026 meeting schedule for the Rosscom County Board of Commissioners as attached. So move, Madam Chair. Second. Any discussion? Roll call, please. Wolson. Mley, yes. Milbour, yes. Spencer, yes.

Motion carried. Motion number four, move to approve the reclassification of the kennel attendant position from a grade one to a grade two on the Ross Common County non-union compensation schedule. Reclassification will be effective January 1, 2026. Second. Any discussion? Roll call. Milbour, yes. Orley, yes. Spencer, yes. Olson, yes. Motion carried. workers.

Motion number five, move to approve the reclassification of the director of central central dispatch from a grade 7 to a grade 8 on the Ross common county non-union compensation schedule. Reclassification will be effective January 1, 2026. So move second. Discussion. Roll call. Spencer, yes. Mley, yes. Milbour, yes. Wolson,

yes. Motion carried. Motion number six, move to authorize Central Dispatch Director Jessica Gilbert to enter into agreement with the 911 UP authority for the purpose of entering into the Northern Computer Aided Dispatch Project. Total cost over 5 years for the CAD project is $680,4124. So move. Second. Any discussion? Roll call, please. Mley, yes. Milurn, yes. Wolfson, yes. Spencer, yes. Thank you.

Move to adopt resolution number 2025-12-02, resolution submitting to a vote of the electorate, a special millage for continuing Ross Common County Veterans Services and Programs. Resolution number 2025-12-02. resolution submitting to a vote of the electorate a special millage for continuing Ross Common County Veterans Services and Programs. Whereas Ross Common County has established and maintained a countywide veteran services department to provide accurate, efficient, and timely services to county veterans. And whereas the Veterans Service Department has proven to be a leader in providing claims, work assistance, veteranoriented family programming, medical transportation, and assisting with emergent needs of our local veterans. And whereas a millillage approving 0.1670 of funding was previously approved by the electorate to operate the Ross Common County Veteran Services Department in August 2022 and that millillage authorization expires on December 31st, 2025. Now therefore be it resolved that the following question be submitted to a vote of the electorate of Roscommen County at the primary election to be held August 4th, 2026. Ross Common County Veterans Services Mill the previous voted increase in tax limitation imposed under article 9 section six of the Michigan Constitution in the county of Ross Common of 0.1670 0.1670 cents per $1,000 of taxable value reduced to 0.1588 mil 0.1588 per $1,000 of taxable value by the required millage rollbacks be renewed at up to 0.158 0.158 per $1,000 of taxable value and levied for 6 years 2026 through 2031 inclusive for the purpose of operating, equipping, maintaining, and providing monetary support and assistance services to Roscom County veterans through the county of Ross common veterans affairs

department raising an estimated $299,000 in the first year levied. So move, madam chair. I'll second. Any discussion? Yes, ma'am. I'd like to be able to give a shout out to the veterans department. Heath, Alicia, Ginger, Terry, and Dan do an exceptional job. I can say with certainty we have one of the finest veteran service officers in the state of Michigan. Madam Chair, any further discussion? Roll call, please. Wilson, yes. Spencer, yes. Mley, yes. Milurn, yes.

Resolution adopted. Number eight, move to authorize Ross Common County Board of Commissioners Chairperson Darlene Spencer to submit on behalf of the board of commissioners a letter of support for the Creek Side Meadows Housing Project. So move. I'll second. Any discussion? Um I do have a copy of the letter. Um I know that everybody had it emailed to them, but if anybody wants a copy for your records, roll call, please. Children, yes. Wolson, yes. Mley, yes. Spencer, yes. Motion carried. Okay.

Committee reports. Commissioner Wolson.

Um, I attended the Northern Michigan Counties Association on Monday. We had a speaker there talking about homeless and he threw out some numbers and I'll share them with you. I'm not going to say their fact because I don't know, but these are the numbers thrown out. They figure we have about 33,000 homeless people in this state on a yearly basis. We have that many. Um some things were um pointed out. Rents are up 25% since COVID and fixed income people are most affected by that. Of course, um there are some programs that help place people. Families are the hardest to place because of the number, so they get kind of put aside. Um they claim 72% of our population spends 50% of their income on rent, which is kind of astounding. And that goes along with um rent is on the average is $1,200 a month for a two-bedroom rental. And in order to pay that, you got to have like a $22 an hour job, which, you know, a lot of jobs aren't. Um the other thing that we talked about was tax my tax is probably going to be on the ballot. Um seemed to feel it probably would pass. Our major concern is how are we going to replace that funding? Everything I've seen on this issue

suggests the t the state of Michigan's going to determine this, which is not a good agency to have determined that for us, but it is going to be a concern. We may have a guest person talk about this in the future at the back meeting. So that was most of what we talked about. Um, I had the agenda meeting. Um, continued budget work. Um, we have the upcoming union negotiation this afternoon and I have animal control tomorrow.

What time is animal control? Isn't it tomorrow? Oh, it switched. Okay. 18th. Did I show? So, I got to change it on my calendar. Thank goodness. Glad you said that. Yeah, me too. Okay, now you know.

Our big thing is uh Kim Morley and I attended the RX kids ceremony at the Roscommen Elementary School a couple days ago. Kim was a guest speaker and let me just read the press release real quick. Central Michigan District Health is proud to announce the expanded partnership with RX Kids to bring direct financial support to pregnant people and infants in Gladwin Roscom counties beginning December 1st 2025. RX Kids is a first of its kinds program that provides cash support to help families with a high cost of welcome and raising a baby. elig eligible residents in Gladim Roscom counties will receive $1,500 during pregnancies followed by $500 per month throughout the baby's first six months of life no strings attached and that's kind of an interesting part across our communities families are doing their best to provide for their their children but the cost that come with a new baby can add up quickly said Steve Hall CMDH health officer by extending RX kids we are helping parents meet those early [snorts] expenses and create a stronger foundation for the growing families Originally launched in Flint in 2024, Arxis is just expanded to more than 20 Michigan communities including Kalamazoo, Pontiac, and Eastern Upper Peninsula. On August 1st, 2025, ARX kids was launched in Clare County in the first central Michigan community to offer its groundbreaking approach to reducing childhood poverty and strengthening families. In the short time the program has been active, ARC's kids have distributed over 20 $213,500 to 107 families. This is coming from Steve from Mona. We're delighted to be expanding Ross common accounties bringing life-changing support to more families across mid Michigan says doc Dr. Mona Hana our excuse director and associate dean of public health in Michigan State. In the month aheads, we look forward to bringing RX to even more Michigan families thanks to generous support from State of Michigan and growing families.

RXKIS is a program for Michigan State University Pediatric Public Health Initiative in collaboration with poverty solutions of the University of Michigan and administrative by who lead local outreach to help connect eligible families in the programs in Gladwin and Ross common counties. The effort is made by possible through support from the state of Michigan and philanthropic partners including the Skyline Foundation. Current funding covers prenatal support and six months of monthly payments for approximately 400 families per year in the Glenn and Roscom counties. Additional donors are being sought to extend benefits to the baby's full first year and beyond. uh residents across common counties who are at least 16 weeks pregnant and are expecting to show on or after December 1st can can enroll online at the county's page. Earlier I gave this to to Christa to hopefully put into press release in the paper. This is a phenomenal opportunity for people in our county to move forward with with their children. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Thank you, Commissioner Marley.

All right. Um November 19th was the Central Michigan District Health Department meeting. Uh, Commissioner Milbour and I were there. They did a presentation really on the WICK program. Obviously, that's the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. I guess one out of two babies in Michigan are already on this program and 480 of them are in this county. So, just some decent statistics for what's happening in our community. The breastfeeding support pro peer support program that they offer as well was discussed. Um that's some federal money and we have 61 infants from Ross Common that are in that um getting that support as well. November 20th was the Ross Common Township Association meeting. Um they reelected their new officers. They have mostly the same group but there will be a few new ones as well. So in that discussion as we had in our last meeting um Brenda was there to talk about the housing you know and all our economic development. So that conversation for those township supervisors was the same as what she presented to us. Would you be interested in charging your constituents a dollar or whatever it was and then have the county match that? So there was quite a bit of discussion amongst the township supervisors on that around lot of concerns that the county's pushing money like hazard and waste and economic development onto the townships. In that conversation, it they're going to revisit this because the EDC is going to look at what is that plan? What is the vision? What does the budget truly need? But they also are going to work with the township supervisors to say, do all of you agree on this? Before you go before anybody to ask for money, you need to come and come what does that look like and does everybody buy in? There was no one at that table at that point that said yes, we've all seen it and agreed. So, I think that's going to

be their next step. We may hear some more. Um, on the 20th, Northern Lakes Community Mental Health, um, they did the same thing we just did. Um, they passed up on public act 152 so that they could do better for their employees and with their budget as well. Um, the NMRE did agree to give up the three million that they've been holding on to even though part of that part of that stick was to say you won't go and try to redo any more audits. We said no or the board said no, we'll continue to audit. So, they went ahead and gave the three, but they are going to go back 2018 through 2022 and both parties will do their own independent audits to see who who owes and who doesn't. So, that's still in the works, but at least three million was put forth on this year's budget. Um, other than that, I'm good with committee reports.

Thank you. Public comment. Do we have any public comment? Am I up?

Talk about the elephant in the room, but I would say the elephant is not in the room. My name is Eric Oscar, former commissioner. I want to address a matter that is weighing heavily on this board and soon will be on our community. This is a matter that can't be ignored and one that you as a commission must confront head on. As all of you know, Commissioner David Russo was recently arrested on some very serious charges. Charges of this sort are not made without significant evidence. His arrest has serious legal consequences, not only for himself, but for the commission as well, which I believe will undermine taxpayers trust in this commission. Commissioner Russo has put this county at significant risk. To my knowledge, no commissioner in Ross Common County history has ever faced such serious charges. The situation is unprecedented and raises fundamental questions about leadership, accountability, and the responsibilities that come with public office. While it's important to uphold the principle that everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, we must also recognize that our elected officials have a duty to uphold the integrity of our government and to maintain the public's trust in this commission. Much more is at play here than the innocence or guilt. It has been said, it's not what happens to you, it's how you react to it that matters. I hope you react properly. This may well be the biggest issue [snorts] uh this board ever faces, and I hope you measure up to it and react appropriately. Continuing to conduct business as usual. Why such serious allegations hang over your heads is not only inappropriate, it is also irresponsible. The actions of our leaders set an example for our community and reflect the values we all cherish. We expect our representatives to act with honor and integrity. And right now that expectation is being

called into question. If Commissioner Russo truly cares about our county and his residents, he should resign from his position until these allegations are resolved. This is not just about his personal situation. It's about the integrity of our local government and the trust the residents place in their elected officials. By stepping down, he would demonstrate that he prioritizes the well-being of our community above his own position and that he recognizes the gravity of the situation. Doing anything else would be extremely selfish and narcissistic. If he chooses not to resign, immediate action must be taken by this board. He should be removed from all committees, assignments, and all other responsibilities he holds. It is essential that we maintain a functioning and trustworthy county government and this cannot happen while a commissioner is entangled in such serious legal matters. Moreover, I urge every commissioner on this board to publicly request that Commissioner Russo resign during the board comment portion of this meeting immediately following my comments. remaining silent is not an option and not doing so will appear as a cover up and approval of having him continue as commissioner. This problem is a reflection on you and if commissioner Russo won't step down, you owe it to Ross Common County to do everything in your power to urge him to resign. The rest of the state is looking and more importantly the citizens of Roscommen are looking on. It is imperative that you stand united in your commitment to uphold the standards of your office and this community. A special meeting should also be called to openly discuss how our county can move forward under these troubling circumstances. Your constituents deserve transparency and a clear plan of action that prioritizes the health of our local governments. I've heard a lot about transparency.

Let's see if you really mean it. This shouldn't be handled in the back room. Not totally disassociating yourself from Russo could have serious, considerable legal and financial ramifications on this county. We cannot allow this situation to fester and be swept under the rug. Silence in the face of such serious allegations sends the message that you are willing to tolerate this behavior that undermines the very foundation of our democracy. This isn't about protecting Commissioner Russo. It's about this commission and the community it represents. You must be proactive. You owe it to the residents of Roscommen County to ensure that our leadership reflects the values of respect, responsibility, and accountability. I call on Commissioner Russo to do the right thing. Resign from your position and allow our community the opportunity to heal and rebuild trust in our local government. It takes courage to step down and acknowledge the seriousness of the situation. True leadership is about making difficult choices for the greater good. Mr. uh Russo, if you're going to be listening to this, I expect do the right thing. Be a man about this and resign. I hope we can move forward together in a way that restores faith in our government and serves the best interest of all the citizens of Roscom County. Thank you.

Thank you.

Any other public comment? Come on up. Good morning. I'm Julie Darton. I'm the district director for MSU Extension District 4, which includes Roscommen County. Um, I just wanted to say that I observed lots of care uh in your meeting today for the youth in the community. So you um and in and in the committee of the whole meeting where you talked through budget resolutions for things like making sure we have appropriate juvenile justice, making sure that uh you know parents are paying their fair share to uh for the um well-being of the of the youth that they've they've they've brought into the world uh through things like Friend of the Court. Um certainly the Bentleys exemplify a lot of care for youth in the community um through their work with things like Toys for Tots and really the the number of donations that they shared in their public comments during today's meeting are such an indic indicator of the you know warmth and generosity of the citizens of Ross Common County um and the care that they show materially I'm sure as well as immaterially wishing the best for them. Um it's it's sad that MSU Extension and specifically the 4 program can't be included in the 2026 budget request that um came before you. And I just wanted to address one thing. There was a comment made um to me in an off-hand way and unattributed to a specific person. So I apologize, but I feel like let's just talk about it. Um someone said, "Well, the voters didn't approve that in 2024." And so that's an indicator of how people feel about it. I I appreciate that sentiment and I understand difficult decisions have to be made, but I look at that as a

decision that's made in a point in time where people are facing a lot of hard choices in their own lives as well. But I I get indicators in a different sense of the way that people value extension programs and specifically for programs. and that is we're getting more people asking us about programs for youth in this county. We're we're have we have more people show showing that they'd like to start 4 clubs and be involved in 4 activities. We've got intense interest in our winter programs which include the cross-country ski program and the basketball program. All of those clubs and programs will now be part of another county's portfolio of 4 programs because we we haven't been able to find funding here in Ross Common County. Um, and coming back to the board of commissioners and engaging in the budget process should not be an indicator that I'm trying to circumvent something. I thought I was doing things in an appropriate light of day manner. you had a clear uh uh understanding of what the request was from MSU extension and 4. Um I don't see it as trying to circumvent any kind of process. However, I would love the opportunity to talk with you each of you individually um about how we can move forward perhaps with another miller request perhaps that's just for 4 or just for extension services which includes 4. um that would be valuable to me and I welcome the opportunity to talk through that with each of you. Um but 4 has a new campaign starting. It's called beyond ready. It seeks to prepare youth for to be that next generation of leaders to have to find connection in their own community to find self-esteem through activities that aren't necessarily in the schoolroom where they can do things

hands-on and try things and explore things and learn lessons that go well beyond, you know, the curriculum developed by for our public schools. And not to put that down in any way, but youth often need many outlets to find that self-esteem. They also value the opportunity to explore these new ideas, to fail in an environment where they can learn from that and process that. And I would just hope that you would consider, you know, providing for future opportunities as another way of showing care for youth in our community. and I really appreciate that you have a shrinking pie, a constrained pie, and everybody wants a piece of it. So, I thank you so much for all your hard work and consideration. It was really lovely to sit down in a small meeting with a couple of commissioners and the controller administrator and talk through what our needs are and I look forward to future opportunities to discuss that with you. Thanks so much.

Thank you.

Any other public comment? Okay, board comment. Commissioner Mley, just a couple extras um other than our committee reports. December 1st, Higgins Township had their meeting was very short. I think they were in and out in less than 30 minutes, but so there wasn't a lot on their agenda, but they did hire a part-time person to couple hours a week to come in and clean uh the township. They only had 34 EMS calls. I shouldn't say only that's I had 34 calls for that but there was no report from the fire chief at that meeting. Um, couple questions from our controller report. Um, USGS representatives in there, you'd said they have some additional capabilities for some data and reporting. And I think if when we were talking about budgets, is there a potential for some of that to help us versus an engineer to go pay those fees to do similar? Are we going to look at that? I just didn't know if that was something maybe we could consider if USGS has some things that would help that. I don't know if you could expand maybe

it was mostly water studies as far as quality of water that's what they're offering USGS's okay they are able to do they are able to do um like water banking studies very similar to the one that we have now um they did say they can track um like temperature um precipitation um to like water flow like those types of formulas as well. So, will those be helpful though going forward if we're using and we're putting more of those units out? Will that be helpful as we survey and study other things we need to do? They told us we could add these on if we find a need for them in the future.

Say that again. They said we could add these features on in the future if we find we need them.

Okay. So, these aren't duplication. We're not having Prine and New Hoff do something identical to what we could get from them. Okay. All right, cool. Um, I'll I'll chime in on the axe my tax. Um, I know it sounds great, but I have not heard a very clear plan on where do we get the rest of that money and how that impacts. So, um, I would hope that maybe we can before that goes before the public that they understand where else they might be charged. But, so I agree that might it's going to be tough, I think. Um, as far as MSU Extension, I'll just comment as well. I do know that those were tough and I I'd be happy to talk about if that wants to go back out on a millage separately. Um, um, I think if that's something that the people want as well because for this year it was tough and I do understand that. So, I'm I'm open to that conversation if it if it wants to go back out for that. So, that's it.

Commissioner Milbour, Commissioner Wolfson. Yes, we had some public comment and I would like to address some of it. Um, this board is not doing any cover up. The amount of information we have is extremely limited. Um, and until after there's an arraignment, this board's not going to take sides on anything. My background is as a Marine Corps officer. I never make a plan. I never make a decision until I have all the facts and figures. All I have. Thank you.

Um we are in budget crunch time obviously. Um thank you to Jod for all the information she gave us today. I think it's going to be really helpful as each of us look through and develop any questions that we may have for our December 10th meeting. Um, our final meeting for this year is disc is scheduled for December 17th. So hopefully we can have everything finalized and ready to go by that time. Um, I am also going to follow up with a comment regarding the public comment. Um I am going to reiterate what Commissioner Wolson said is our information that we have been given regarding Mr. Russo is very limited and until his arraignment we are not going to make any decisions because we don't know exactly what's going to happen. He has not been formally charged. So until that happens, this board is not ready to make any um major decisions on anything. Um I can say that the one decision that we made um that and Commissioner Russo is fully aware is on the personnel and labor committee that Commissioner Wolson will be taking his place. And that is all I have with no further public comment or board comment. This meeting is adjourned. All in favor say I.