Amanda Wethington

The Finance Committee meeting addressed several key items. Discussions included a request from the Sheriff to purchase an in-car camera system for an extra vehicle, funded from Fund 405 as it was outside the budget. The committee decided to recommend retaining the Fiscal Year 2025 Adult-Use Marijuana Distribution funds, expected to be $540,171 for Mecosta County, in the General Fund for future internal projects. The Committee reviewed and recommended approval for all listed bills. Additionally, a request was approved for the County to act as grant administrator for the Mecosta County Road Commission for their LEO grant concerning the Harding Road structure replacement project. Other administrative updates included receiving nine bids for the removal of the Pizza Hut building and ongoing discussions regarding staffing changes, specifically the Equalization Director position, including the possibility of a contract arrangement.

The meeting included two public hearings resulting in approvals for Special Use Permit Petition PPC26-002 and Special Use/Site Plan Review Permit Petition PPC26-003. PPC26-002 was approved, allowing a home-based business (golf cart repair/resale shop) on AG/R-1 zoned property with a stipulation on the number of displayed carts. PPC26-003 involved an addition to an existing structure and added consignment animal sales on AG zoned property; this was approved with stipulations regarding the location of the moved structure, expansion of parking, and the addition of handicap spaces, as well as responsibility for potential no-parking signage fees. In Old Business, the Planning Commission was directed to gather further information on the Fates LLC MHP map amendment request, and the Board of Commissioners approved staff to solicit bids for updating the Master Plan.

The Committee reviewed the December Financial Reports and will recommend acceptance and filing to the Board. They also reviewed all listed bills and will recommend payment. Commissioner per diem and travel expenses were reviewed and approved. Other business included presenting a Reliance Waiver and Purchase of Service Agreement for the Commission on Aging, ensuring the Meals on Wheels Program pricing remains at $7.50 per meal, which the Committee will recommend for approval. Additionally, the Committee concurred with the proposal to offer surplus items from the recently acquired Pizza Hut property to the Commission on Aging, Parks, and VFW for disposal.

The meeting involved two public hearings. The first hearing concerned a Special Use Permit Petition (PPC25-029) to allow horses on an LR zoned property, which was approved with a stipulation of no more than four horses on site at any time. The second public hearing addressed a Special Use Request Petition (PPC25-030) to permit an addition to an existing pole barn for a home-based business on AG zoned property, which was also approved. During New Business, staff provided an overview of recent conference classes, indicating future changes in application presentations.

The meeting involved the review and unanimous approval of the agenda and subsequent revisions to the committee's by-laws. A discussion occurred regarding the committee logo, with instructions for further minor adjustments. The committee addressed board vacancies, specifically approving the removal and replacement of an appointed member for Gladwin County and noting an open position for Ogemaw County. A major focus was the Request for Proposal (RFP) process; after a preliminary review, five proposals met the requirements. The board cost-evaluated the bids, deciding to place Michigan Consulting and Environmental and HDR lower in consideration due to cost and location factors. The remaining three bids (Fishbeck, RRS, and GT Environment) are subject to individual member evaluation by the end of January. An announcement was made regarding an upcoming Michigan Sustainability Business Forum event in February 2026.