Vanessa Guerra

The Building Authority meetings covered a range of topics including updates on the Dow Event Center's Phase 3 theater renovations, signage, and potential improvements to the ice quality. Discussions also involved the Eleanor Frank and Marie Davis Senior Centers renovations, addressing budget issues, project timelines, and outstanding punch list items. Additionally, updates were provided on the Courthouse HVAC project, including the installation of air handlers and boiler piping. The authority also discussed potential new projects, such as a new Medical Examiner's office and the Health Department building packages.

The committee discussed and approved vendor transactions for October 2025, totaling $28,187,221.31. Preliminary monthly financial reports for September and October 2025 were submitted, received, and filed. The Sheriff's Office received approval to increase the FY26 budget to cover services of a Medical Assistant and to increase the Jail Public Improvement Fund for the installation of basketball backboards and rims in the jail's rec rooms, subject to review of schematics and pictures. The Family Division received approval to eliminate an Office Assistant I position and create an Intensive Juvenile Probation Officer position, and to increase the budget to add community provider contracts for children's support and treatment.

The committee received updates on the Sheriff's Office operations, including open positions, capital investments, and potential collaborations. Discussions included the progress of a new Animal Care & Control building, Mobile Medical Response's tri-annual report, and the status of the Community Corrections tether program. A public hearing was held and approval granted for the Saginaw County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and the FY 2024 Saginaw County Community Corrections Grant. Other topics included a request for funding for ADA-compliant wheelchair access in a courthouse stairwell, a discussion of policy changes from the Medical Examiner's Office related to transportation fees, and the approval of a resolution to declare Saginaw County as a "Second Amendment Sanctuary County". Additional discussions included updates on shelter operations, a tri-annual report from Mobile Medical Response, a request for additional funding for the Family Division, and the 2024 budget. A public hearing was held on a project to install a USGS river depth gauge and create flood inundation maps. Updates were given on the Family Division/Juvenile Detention, and a request was made for funding to repair or replace fencing at the Family Court Juvenile Center. A request was made for additional assistant prosecutors and an amendment to the FY 2024 Prosecutor's Office budget. A request was made for authorization to begin the qualified applicant for the position of law clerk/bailiff. Discussions were held regarding the Kochville DDA agreement with the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office, and an agreement was approved with Axon Enterprise Inc. for in-car and body-worn cameras. A public hearing was held on an application for funding assistance under the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief Program. An ambulance contract was reviewed and approved. Updates were given on appointments made by the Chief Judges of the Saginaw County Trial Court and the Judicial Information System. A request was made for the assignment of two full-time Sheriff Deputies to the 4th floor of the courthouse to address security concerns.

The committee reviewed and filed annual reports from MSU Extension, the Health Department, and the Mosquito Abatement Commission. A request for minimum local base assessment funding for MSU Extension was referred to the Budget/Audit Committee. The committee received and filed the 2023 Committee Calendar and the 2024 budget draft. Updates on senior services and the Commission on Aging were also provided. The committee approved funding for the Commission on Aging's programs and received informational communications regarding the Region VII Area Agency on Aging's annual implementation plan and requests for proposals for FY 2024 funding. The committee tabled impact reports and data reports from MSU Extension and information related to Mosquito Abatement facility planning. The committee approved an accounts receivable write-off report from the Health Department and received information on the impact of SNAP and EFNEP programs. The committee received and filed the Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority's annual report and reviewed an update on the Maintenance of Effort for the Health Department. Finally, the committee accepted a quarterly data report from MSU Extension and approved a site for the future Mosquito Control facility, authorizing negotiations for a portion of the property and a design-build with Saginaw Public Schools for a renovated building.

The County Services Committee meeting addressed various topics, including the approval of a 2021 Committee and Board Session Calendar, the selection of construction managers for the Saginaw County Animal Care & Control Resource Center and the Dow Event Center projects, and the approval of a Responsible Contractor Policy. Discussions also involved the Saginaw County Animal Care & Control Resource Center project, the Dow Event Center Capital Projects, the Webster Drain Drainage District bond sale, a sweeper truck donation to HW Browne Airport, Saginaw Public School District's interest in Mosquito Abatement Commission property, the Frankenmuth Convention and Visitors Bureau's audit and budget, Saginaw Future's reports and funding requests, the Saginaw County Fiber Installation/Implementation Project, the Report of Equalization, special license applications for parks events, changes to Imerman Memorial Park Bark Park Rules, a donation of planning documents to the Castle Museum, a bond sale for the Gage Drain Drainage District, amendments to the 2021 Soil Erosion budget, a vehicle allowance for the Public Works Commissioner, Commercial Rehabilitation Districts for businesses in Merrill, a contribution to the Saginaw River Headwaters Rec Area project, amendments to County Policy #244, appointments to the Richland Township Construction Board of Appeals, the FY 2022 Budget, relocation of the County Clerk's Office divisions, and a car allowance policy for county employees. The committee also received and filed various reports and communications.