Wexford County

The Board meeting included presentations and reports concerning recent rain damage that led to a State of Emergency declaration, making the County potentially eligible for state funding. The Road Commission reported on the status of road washouts and closures. Key agenda items involved the approval of the 2014 Annual Equalization Report and Form L-4024, noting an increase in the state equalized value but a loss in tax revenue due to Veterans Exemptions. The Board also approved a request to waive the hiring freeze to fill a full-time Deputy Clerk position. Furthermore, the Board scheduled a Special Meeting to consider a contract with Boon Sports Management and received an update on the 2013 Audit fieldwork timeline. Liaison reports covered a completed COA audit and a grant received for an adult day care center.

The meeting included an annual update from DHD#10, where the Health Officer provided information on community health needs assessments, internal staffing changes due to retirements, budget status, and the department's accreditation. Public comments included a request to place county millages on the November ballot instead of August and a suggestion for the county to change its unemployment assessment status to a reimbursing agent for potential cost savings. Key agenda items involved approving an ORV Grant Agreement with the MI DNR. Discussions took place regarding water contamination in the RAP Area and the potential need for the county to supply water to additional properties if further testing extends the area. Additionally, the Board addressed suggested changes to the COA millage language and the COA contract, forwarding these to the Finance Committee for review. A closed session was held to discuss current litigation, pursuant to the Open Meetings Act. Liaison reports included updates on the Octagon Building committee activities and the local Food Pantry distribution points.

The meeting began with roll call and the pledge of allegiance. The agenda was approved after adding four resolutions to extend appreciation to departing commissioners: Jason Mitchell (J5), Michael Musta (J6), Benjamin Townson (J7), and Kathy Adams (J8). The consent agenda was approved. Discussions included approving surveyor agreements for monumentation and peer review, and approving the inmate housing agreement between Wexford County Sheriff and K County/Kelsi County Sheriff for 2025-2026. A letter of understanding regarding the 2025 wage adjustment for the TPON General Unit was also approved. Several departing commissioners gave farewell remarks, reflecting on their service and the county's community-run nature, referencing ongoing recovery efforts from a cyber attack, and acknowledging the recent passing of Veterans Administrator Kathy Klein. Committee reports were given, including budget reviews for 2024 and 2025, and a preliminary vote on the W County Airport Community plan.

The meeting commenced with a roll call. Agenda items discussed included the AAA annual report, an appointment to the jury commission, and fiscal year 2024-2025 available grants. Key actions taken involved approving the agenda and approving several memoranda of understanding: one with Catholic Human Services and the Western County Sheriff's Office to dedicate a substance use disorder clinician at the jail, and another for medication-assisted treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorder at the jail. The Board also approved a formal access agreement for the Northern District Fairgrounds and approved the fiscal year 2024-2025 off-road vehicle law enforcement program grant. Administrative updates covered ongoing budget work, changes related to the Northern Lakes Community Mental Health CEO position search, the start of a new mental health counselor at the jail, changes to addiction treatment services funding, and progress on filling an appraiser position. The LDFA reported on efforts to retest wells and explore pilot programs for destroying PFAS, while the Clan Lake DDA continues efforts to move sewer and water infrastructure.

The meeting involved a presentation by Car Cyber, an MSSP focusing on Michigan counties, regarding cybersecurity threats, potential financial exposure from system intrusions, and their service offerings. Services discussed included threat detection and response, vulnerability management, security engineering, and security training (including phishing simulations and on-site sessions). The Board also addressed compliance requirements, risk management, IT services, grant funding support, incident response, policy/procedure development, and vendor reviews. Separately, the Board approved resolutions extending appreciation for the dedicated service of Larry Celeste (Waxford Conservation District Forester) and an unnamed individual who served for 23 years. Key actions included approving modifications to a USDA Grant, authorizing the Sheriff to sign, approving a general ledger assistance agreement with H&S company, directing the Administrator to publish an RFP for IT managed services support, and approving sponsorships for Deputy Cadets to the Kirtland Police Academy. There was also a brief update regarding the sale of the old jail and upcoming meetings concerning Consumers Energy and a natural gas project.