Rick Hollister

The meeting agenda was approved. Key discussions focused on the Bater Road property, where two options were presented: creating a Nature Park or establishing a public partnership with the Michigan State University Forestry Program, including a proposed 25-year timeline for potential use of tillable land. The Board plans to obtain further information from Batavia Township regarding tax exemption status. Regarding Animal Control, the Board intends to extend the contract with Hillsdale County past December 31, 2026, proposing a payment structure based on the number of animals transferred. Financial matters included presenting Bills & Accounts, Payroll, and Taxes for approval. Under Legislative items, the Board recommended rescheduling the June 11, 2026, work meeting to June 18, 2026, and the March 5, 2026, work meeting to March 4, 2026. The Board also recommended clarifying the Standing Board Rules regarding compensation language for meeting attendance and reviewed resolutions concerning Michigan HB 5152 & 5153 and opposing proposals imposing proof of citizenship requirements.

Key discussion topics included an update on the BEAD grant awards for Branch County, detailing the number of Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSL) awarded to five different companies. The board reviewed proposals for the Jail Medical Services Contract set to expire on March 31, 2026, with a recommendation to approve a contract with ATC, pending legal counsel review, which includes an increase in nursing hours. Additionally, Administration requested approval to submit a grant application to MMRMA for the purchase of three AEDs for the Courthouse. The Finance section involved the presentation and recommendation for approval of Bills & Accounts totaling $403,777.03, Payroll totaling $875,360.24, and Taxes of $223,233.41. The Legislative section involved reviewing a resolution received from Wexford County regarding the repeal of MCL 46.415(2).

The board meeting involved approving the agenda and addressing procedural matters, including a motion to change the meeting start time to noon. Key actions included approving a partnership with EGLE to hold a scrap tire event on October 10, 2026. The board also approved expenditures totaling \$215,109.55 for Bills and Accounts, \$1,018,053.30 for Payroll, and \$257,339.35 for Taxes. Administrator remarks noted upcoming discussions regarding the Bater Road property and the Long Lake request, and anticipation for the BEAD grant announcement. Committee reports mentioned approvals for goose population control plans in Ovid and Kinderhook, and budget discussions at SMPC, Community Action, and Michigan Works.

The meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. An update was provided by the Veteran Affairs board member detailing recent claims, retro benefits paid, office visits, and upcoming events such as a picnic, resource fair, pet adoption, and Military Ball. The Board approved the creation of a budget line for the purchase of 16 AEDs and a trainer AED. Furthermore, approval was granted to proceed with the selection of an architect for the construction of an Evacuation and Evidence Garage at the Sheriff's Department. Administrator remarks covered the status of the Retire Health Care & Pension Fund, noting Branch County is 100% community funded. Committee reports highlighted needs for additional buses for the Bata Bus system, strong 911 staffing, increasing STD testing numbers at the Health Department, and progress on VA meeting procedures.

The working meeting included discussions across several functional areas. Under Sheriff & Public Safety, the department received a $25,895 endowment fund to purchase 16 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and a trainer unit, necessitating a budget line creation. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the Jail Construction Millage, where two options were presented regarding the current surplus funds generated by the 1.2301 mill levy: Option 1 suggested immediately reducing the millage rate to 0.78 mills, while Option 2 proposed maintaining the rate for early bond repayment (not before May 2030). Emergency 911 reports for January 2026 and December 2025 were reviewed, showing an increase in total events year-over-year. In House matters, the Board reviewed a request for the construction of an Evacuation and Evidence Garage, estimated between $900,000 and $1.2 million, which could be funded entirely by existing access millage funds. The Finance section involved the approval of Bills and Accounts totaling $984,245.02, Payroll of $1,120,130.39, and Taxes of $293,200.92. Finally, resolutions from St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners and Kalkaska County Board of Commissioners were reviewed under the Legislative section.