Jason Berry

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the January 20, 2026, Regular Meeting. Public comments addressed issues from the previous meeting, including the Oath of Office, the bike path, the ICE Contract, and the Mental Health Authority, alongside inquiries about an investigation report. In finance matters, the Board confirmed the Accounts Payable Current Claims Report for February 4, 2026, after removing one invoice, and accepted the audit engagement letter from Rehmann for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. The consent agenda involved confirming non-claims payments via two check registers from January 2026. A communication involved approving the County Planner's recommendations regarding proposed updates to the Dundee Township Master Plan. Under New Business, the Board authorized staff and labor counsel to open negotiations for amending pension benefits for several specified collective bargaining units and authorized staff to draft a pension policy amendment for the non-union group, despite concerns raised about the lack of a cost analysis. Commissioners shared various perspectives on fiscal responsibility, employee investment through pensions, and county stability during the Members Time section.

The Regular Meeting Agenda for February 3, 2026, includes several items for discussion and action. Finance matters involve the approval of an Accounts Payable report totaling $1,693,243.17 and the acceptance of an audit engagement letter from Rehmann for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025. The consent agenda covers the approval of Non-Claims payments via check registers dated January 23 and January 30, 2026. Communications include reviewing proposed updates to the Dundee Township Master Plan. New Business focuses on authorizing negotiations for pension amendments for several collective bargaining units and authorizing staff to draft a pension policy amendment for the non-union group.

The Regular Meeting agenda was approved after clarifying the title for a closed session item regarding confidential attorney client communication. The Board approved the minutes from the January 6, 2026 meeting. Public comment featured extensive discussion regarding the district two (2) vacancy and significant debate over the existing contract with ICE, with some speakers supporting the contract and others urging its revocation. The Board issued a Special Tribute congratulating United Way of Monroe/Lenawee Counties on its 100-year anniversary. Two closed sessions were held to discuss confidential attorney client communication and the Indigent Defense Forensic Audit, following which the Board voted to follow the advice of counsel and the forensic accountant. Finance matters included the confirmation of an Accounts Payable report totaling over $1.58 million and the confirmation of non-claims payments via check registers. Communications included the approval to apply for an America250MI grant for the Monroe County Museum System and the filing of the 2026 Committee appointments. Under Old Business, the Board approved outstanding bills related to an investigation funding matter. New business and public comment followed, with further inquiry into the investigation timeline and the ICE contract.

The Monroe County Comprehensive Plan 2010 Update serves as a roadmap to guide future community growth and development for 20 years or more. It addresses land use and infrastructure issues and includes recommendations for agricultural preservation, industrial and economic development, open space and natural resource protection, community facilities and services, and transportation and infrastructure development. The plan aims to foster coordinated, harmonious, efficient, and economical development, promoting public health, safety, and general welfare through specific goals across various sectors including land use, public utilities, natural resources, residential development, recreation, and economic development.

The key discussion topics for this organizational meeting included the election of a Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, and the approval of the agenda. New business focused on reviewing and executing 2022 Conflict of Interest Statements, reviewing the Q4 2021 Performance Report, providing a March 2022 update covering values through February and YTD performance, and reviewing the Preliminary 2021 Retiree Health Care Fund Activity. The fund activity summary detailed 2021 revenues, expenses, and resulted in $1.943 million of net working capital to be invested into the RHC Trust.