Eaton County, MI

Public Safety Committee

Board of Commissioners

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners is meeting to receive a presentation of the proposed FY 2026/2027 county budget and to hold a public hearing on it under the Truth in Budgeting requirement. The board will then recess to a later meeting on September 16, 2026, with no other substantive items on this agenda.

• Presentation of proposed FY 2026/2027 Eaton County Budget
• Public hearing on the proposed budget (Truth in Budgeting)
• Recess to September 16, 2026, 6:00 p.m.

Public Works and Human Services Committee

Ways and Means Committee

Board of Commissioners

Public Safety Committee

Public Works and Human Services Committee

Ways and Means Committee

Board of Commissioners

Public Works and Human Services Committee

Public Safety Committee

Ways and Means Committee

Board of Commissioners

Public Safety Committee

Public Works and Human Services Committee

Ways and Means Committee

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and vote on adopting the 2026-2030 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The board will also consider several resolutions, including amendments to the jail phone contract, a soil erosion ordinance, and the construction codes fee schedule, plus grant applications and budget amendments.

• Public hearing and resolution to adopt 2026-2030 Parks and Recreation Master Plan
• Resolution to amend jail telephone system service agreement with Smart Communications (1st Amendment)
• Resolution to amend Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance to designate Construction Codes Department as enforcing agency
• Resolution to approve project agreement with MDNR for Lincoln Brick Park Expansion Project grant funding
• Resolution to approve contract for audit services for fiscal years ending September 30, 2026-2028

Ways and Means Committee

The Eaton County Ways and Means Committee will consider several action items, including a Sheriff's Office contract amendment, a homeland security grant agreement, and a prosecutor's office restructuring request. The committee will also hear reports on the MERS retirement system, the public defender's transition plan, construction fees, and a capital improvement report. Budget amendments and the 2026/2027 budget will be discussed.

• Sheriff's Office Smart Communications Agreement - Amendment 1
• FY2025 Homeland Security Grant Program Subrecipient Agreement
• Prosecutor's Office Restructuring Request
• RFP for Audit Services - Administrative Recommendation
• 2026/2027 Budget Discussion

Public Works and Human Services Committee

The Eaton County Public Works and Human Services Committee will review department reports and vote on several resolutions, including grant applications for veteran services and recycling education, a project agreement for the Lincoln Brick Park expansion, and adoption of the 2026-2030 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. They will also discuss a restructure request for Construction Codes and receive updates from the Road Commission and on soil erosion.

• Resolution to approve DMVA County Veteran Services Grant application
• Resolution to approve Michigan Recycling Coalition Community Education Grant application
• Resolution to approve MDNR project agreement for Lincoln Brick Park Expansion
• Resolution to adopt Eaton County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2026-2030
• Construction Codes restructure request

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will receive reports from the Sheriff's Office, Central Dispatch, Prosecutor's Office, and Trial Courts. The body will discuss specific agreements and staffing requests across these departments.

• Smart Communications Agreement - Amendment 1
• FY2024 Homeland Security Grant Program Subrecipeint Agreement
• Prosecutor's Office restructuring request
• Trial Courts Quality Assurance Specialist
• Central Dispatch radio towers and siren stations update

Ways and Means Committee

The Ways and Means Committee will discuss the 2026/27 budget, including multi-year general fund projections, millages, and dedicated funding for the Sheriff's Office. The committee will also review and approve recordings of past budget meetings from June and July 2025.

• Review of 2026/27 multi-year general fund budget projections
• Discussion of millage rates and dedicated funds
• Evaluation of Sheriff's Office dedicated funding
• Review of other dedicated funds
• Approval of June 27 and July 25, 2025 budget meeting recordings

The Ways and Means Committee approved an amended motion to evenly distribute remaining funds in the Comprehensive Plan Fund (Fund 223) to the ten townships that assumed their own planning and zoning services after the County ceased those services. A separate motion to reduce General Fund expense budgets by 2.5% (totaling $1,033,781) to fund the unfunded pension liability failed. The committee also received budget presentations for multiple funds, including Central Dispatch, Juvenile Millage, Parks, Sheriff's Office, and Computer Fund.

• Approved amended motion to distribute Fund 223 remaining funds to ten townships (5-2, roll call: Shaver, Holmes, Barber, Droscha yes; Haskell, Pearl-Wright, Mudry no)
• Denied motion to reduce General Fund budgets by 2.5% ($1,033,781) for pension liability (2-5, roll call: Shaver, Barber yes; Haskell, Pearl-Wright, Mudry, Holmes, Droscha no)

Board of Commissioners

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners will consider several resolutions, including budget amendments for fiscal year 2025/26. Other items include a lease agreement for the Eaton Area Joint Planning Commission at the 551 Building and a lease renewal with MDHHS. Committee reports also cover a land release at Fitzgerald Park, an emergency‑management policy amendment, and the formation of an animal‑control workgroup.

• Resolution to Approve FY 2025/26 Budget Amendments (Ways & Means Committee)
• Resolution to Approve Eaton Area Joint Planning Commission Lease Agreement at the 551 Building
• Resolution to Approve MDHHS Lease Renewal
• Resolution to Release the Land and Water Conservation Encumbrance at Fitzgerald Park
• Resolution to Form a Workgroup to Evaluate the Animal Control Ordinance

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners approved a new fund balance policy and allocated $3,699,122 of unassigned fund balance above 15% targets to specific funds, including MERS liabilities, a tax defense fund, and a salary study, by a 10-4 vote. The board also approved a $15.57 million claims payment, a lease renewal for MDHHS, and a workgroup to evaluate the animal control ordinance. Several resolutions passed with dissenting votes, including the Axon software contract and budget amendments.

• Adopted Fund Balance Policy (10-4)
• Adopted FY 2026/27 Fund Balance Allocation of $3,699,122 (10-4)
• Approved Axon Justice Premier Plus contract for Prosecutor and Public Defender offices (nays: Peek, Toomey, Barber)
• Approved FY 2025/26 budget amendments (nays: Barber)
• Approved $15,572,798.57 in claims as audited (unanimous)
• Approved release of Land and Water Conservation encumbrance at Fitzgerald Park (unanimous)
• Formed workgroup to evaluate Animal Control Ordinance (unanimous)
• Approved MDHHS lease renewal for 18,500 sq ft at $17.85/sq ft (unanimous)

Ways and Means Committee

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners/Ways and Means Committee will discuss the 2026/2027 budget and consider amendments to the current FY 2025/26 budget. They will also act on the delinquent tax revolving fund recommendation, a construction code fee schedule, and several departmental restructures and policy adoptions.

• Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund Annual Recommendation
• Axon Justice Premier Plus Plan for Prosecutor's and Public Defender's Offices
• Construction Code Fee Schedule Adoption
• 551 Building Lease Agreement
• 2026/2027 Budget Discussion

The Eaton County Ways and Means Committee tabled the Construction Code Fee Schedule until August 14, 2026, after a motion to make fees retroactive to June 1 failed. The committee recommended approval of several items to the Board of Commissioners, including the Axon Justice Premier Plus Plan, a full-time Mechanical/Plumbing Inspector, a lease with the Eaton Area Joint Planning Commission, an interim Emergency Management Coordinator, and multiple departmental restructures. It also approved a $500,000 transfer from the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund to the Unfunded Pension Liability, and approved claims totaling $15,572,757.57.

• Tabled Construction Code Fee Schedule until Aug 14, 2026 (5-2)
• Recommended Axon Justice Premier Plus Plan approval (unanimous)
• Recommended Mechanical/Plumbing Inspector restructure to full-time (5-2)
• Approved $500,000 transfer to Unfunded Pension Liability (unanimous)
• Recommended lease with Eaton Area Joint Planning Commission (unanimous)
• Recommended interim Emergency Management Coordinator appointment (unanimous)
• Approved open positions including Parks and Recreation Admin Assistant and Chief Public Defender (unanimous)
• Approved claims totaling $15,572,757.57 (unanimous)

Public Safety Committee

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners Public Safety Committee will approve the June 4, 2026 meeting minutes and hear reports from the Sheriff’s Office, Central Dispatch, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Trial Courts. A resolution to amend the Emergency Management Program policy will be considered. The meeting includes limited public comment periods before adjournment.

• Approval of June 4, 2026 meeting minutes
• Sheriff’s Office department report
• Central Dispatch department report
• Resolution amending Emergency Management Program policy
• Prosecutor's Office discussion of Axon software

The committee tabled a motion to repeal the Animal Control Ordinance after discussion, and separately voted to request the Board of Commissioners form a workgroup to evaluate the ordinance. The committee also recommended approval of a resolution amending the Emergency Services Program Policy to redirect responsibilities to the Central Dispatch Director. No other substantive decisions were made; most items were informational reports.

• Tabled motion to repeal Animal Control Ordinance (unanimous)
• Requested Board of Commissioners form workgroup to evaluate Animal Control Ordinance (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of resolution amending Emergency Management Program Policy (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with addition of Animal Control Ordinance item (unanimous)
• Approved June 4, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Public Works and Human Services Committee

The Eaton County Public Works and Human Services Committee will consider adopting fee schedules for soil erosion control and construction codes, and a proposal to change an inspector position from part-time to full-time. The committee will also discuss releasing an encumbrance for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant at Fitzgerald Park and a lease for the 551 Building. Department reports and updates from Construction Codes, Community Development, DIA, and Parks & Recreation are also on the agenda.

• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Fee Schedule Adoption
• Construction Code Fee Schedule Adoption
• Construction Code Inspector Position Restructure (part-time to full-time)
• Parks Department - Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant - Release of Encumbrance at Fitzgerald Park
• 551 Building Lease Space

The Public Works and Human Services Committee unanimously recommended approval of a new Construction Fee Schedule and an Inspector Position Restructure (part-time to full-time) to the Ways and Means Committee. It also approved releasing the Land and Water Conservation Fund encumbrance at Fitzgerald Park and recommended approval of the 551 Building MOU/Lease Agreement. All motions carried unanimously.

• Recommended approval of new Construction Fee Schedule (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Inspector Position Restructure to Ways and Means (unanimous)
• Approved release of LWCF encumbrance at Fitzgerald Park, moved to Board of Commissioners (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of 551 Building MOU/Lease Agreement to Ways and Means (unanimous)

Ways and Means Committee

The Eaton County Ways and Means Committee will discuss the 2026/27 multi-year General Fund budget projections across legislative, judicial, general government, public safety, and health/welfare categories. The committee will also consider an outside agency request from Community Mental Health and a policy update to the Fund Balance Policy.

• 2026/27 Multi-Year General Fund Budget Projections for legislative, judicial, general government, public safety, health & welfare, recreation & culture
• Outside agency request from Community Mental Health
• Fund Balance Policy update

The committee reviewed multi-year general fund budget projections and annual budget reports by function and organization. Discussions included Sheriff's Office staffing and the CMH-CEI Tri-County Budget Request for fiscal year 2027.

• Approved the meeting agenda (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners will consider several resolutions, including approval of FY25/26 budget amendments, a contract extension for the Waverly School Resource Officer, and multiple grant applications. Committee reports also cover appointments and updates on public defender services. Two Freedom of Information Act appeals will be addressed before adjournment.

• Resolution to Approve FY25/26 Budget Amendments
• Waverly School Resource Officer Contract Extension
• Resolution to Approve Eaton County Parks Community Grant Applications
• Resolution to Authorize Application for Byrne Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Grant
• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Appeal #172-6084

Ways and Means Committee

The Eaton County Ways and Means Committee will consider multiple action items including resolutions to apply for state and federal grants (Byrne RSAT, Crime Victim Rights, STOP Violence), a school resource officer contract extension, a sheriff command vehicle purchase, and a software cloud upgrade contract. The committee will also hold a closed session for attorney-client privileged discussion and receive departmental reports. A key item is the 2026/2027 budget discussion.

• Resolution to authorize application for Byrne Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Grant
• Resolution to authorize application for Crime Victim Rights Services Grant
• Resolution to authorize application for STOP Violence Grant
• Waverly School Resource Officer Contract Extension
• Sheriff Department Command Vehicle

The committee recommended several public safety grants and a school resource officer contract extension to the Board of Commissioners. It also approved open positions, a grant administrator appointment, and remote work contract renewals while referring department restructuring requests to consultants.

• Approved May 15, 2026, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Byrne RSAT Grant resolution (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Crime Victim Rights Services Grant application (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of STOP Violence Grant application (unanimous)
• Recommended extension of Waverly School Resource Officer contract (unanimous)
• Decided not to sell the Mobile Command Vehicle (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of BS&A cloud-based software contract (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of 2026 Parks Community Grant Program applications (unanimous)

Public Works and Human Services Committee

The Eaton County Public Works and Human Services Committee will hear department reports and consider action on a BS&A software cloud upgrade contract for Construction Code, a resolution to approve Parks Community Grant applications, and a restructuring request from the Drain Commissioner. The committee will also appoint a member to the Department of Human Services Board.

• Construction Code BS&A Software Cloud Upgrade Contract
• Resolution to Approve Eaton County Parks Community Grant Applications
• Drain Commissioner Department Restructuring Request
• Soil Erosion and Construction Codes Fee Schedule Evaluation Update
• Department of Human Services Board Appointment

The committee recommended approval of a contract to move BS&A software to the cloud and approved 2026 Parks Community Grant recommendations. A restructuring request for the Drain Commissioners' Office was also sent to the Ways and Means Committee.

• Approved new agenda format (unanimous)
• Approved May 13, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended BS&A cloud software contract to Ways and Means (unanimous)
• Recommended 2026 Parks Community Grant recommendations to Ways and Means (unanimous)
• Sent Drain Commissioners' Office restructuring request to Ways and Means (4-1)
• Recommended appointment of Collete Scrimger to the Department of Human Services Board

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will receive reports from the Sheriff's Office, Central Dispatch, and the Prosecutor's Office. Members will consider resolutions to apply for three different grants. The committee will also discuss the animal control contracting model.

• Resolution to authorize application for Byrne Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Grant
• Resolution to authorize application for Crime Victim Rights Services Grant
• Resolution to authorize application for STOP Violence Grant
• Discussion of Animal Control Contracting Model

The committee recommended three grant resolutions for approval by the Ways and Means Committee. A motion regarding the sale of a Mobile Command Unit failed after a tied vote, though it was later reconsidered for further study.

• Approved May 7, 2026, meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended RSAT grant resolution to Ways and Means (unanimous)
• Approved request to seek input on Animal Control contracting model (unanimous)
• Failed motion to request sale of Mobile Command Unit (3-3 tie)
• Recommended Waverly School Resource Officer contract extension to Ways and Means (unanimous)
• Recommended Crime Victim Rights Services grant resolution to Ways and Means (unanimous)
• Recommended Stop Violence grant resolution to Ways and Means (unanimous)
• Reconsidered Mobile Command Unit sale for further consideration by Ways and Means (4-2)

Planning Commission

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will review five applications for Conditional Use Permits and District Change Amendments. These requests involve changes to existing permits and new applications for businesses including gas stations, restaurants, and agricultural repair services.

• CU-3-24-1: Request by Terry Smyth for a larger structure for fire suppression tanks at 8587 Narrow Lake Road
• CU-5-18-4: Request by Todd and Erica Burton for agricultural equipment repair building at 5419 W. St. Joe Highway
• CU-9-25-7: Request by Ben and Carol Yutzy to move and enlarge a building for an agricultural business at 1827 N. Ainger Road
• CU-6-26-3: Request by Dustin and Samantha Anderson for farm equipment repair at parcel 090-015-300-001-08 off S. Ionia Road
• CU-6-26-4: Request by Safiedine Oil for a convenience store, gas station, and restaurant with drive-thru at 3334 S. Cochran Road

Board of Commissioners

The board will vote on repealing the county zoning and planning commission ordinances, and consider an MOU with the Mid-Michigan Mountain Biking Association. Other items include appointing a district court non-attorney magistrate, renewing a youth facility contract, and adopting the capital improvement program and budget amendments. Numerous grant applications for drug courts, suicide prevention, and highway safety are also on the agenda.

• Resolution to repeal zoning ordinance
• Resolution to repeal planning commission ordinance
• Resolution to approve MOU with Mid-Michigan Mountain Biking Association
• Resolution to appoint district court non-attorney magistrate
• Resolution to adopt FY 2026/27 Capital Improvement Program

The board unanimously adopted resolutions repealing the Eaton County Land Development Code (zoning ordinance) and the Planning Commission ordinance, eliminating county zoning and planning. It also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Mid‑Michigan Mountain Biking Association, appointed a non‑attorney magistrate, renewed the youth‑facility contract, adopted the FY 2026/27 capital improvement program and FY 2025/26 budget amendments, and accepted audited claims totaling $13,921,982.10. All motions carried unanimously.

• Repeal zoning ordinance (Resolution #26-5-66) – Yeas 15, Nays 0 (unanimous)
• Repeal planning commission ordinance (Resolution #26-5-67) – Yeas 15, Nays 0 (unanimous)
• Approve MOU with Mid‑Michigan Mountain Biking Association (Resolution #26-5-68) – unanimous
• Appoint District Court Non‑Attorney Magistrate (Resolution #26-5-69) – unanimous
• Renew Youth Facility Contract with Community Mental Health Authority (Resolution #26-5-70) – unanimous
• Adopt FY 2026/27 Capital Improvement Program (Resolution #26-5-84) – unanimous
• Approve FY 2025/26 Budget Amendments (Resolution #26-5-85) – unanimous
• Accept audited claims of $13,921,982.10 (Resolution #26-5-86) – unanimous

Ways and Means Committee

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners’ Ways and Means Committee will review and discuss the 2026/2027 county budget, including the Capital Improvement Program annual report. Committee members will also consider budget amendments for 2025/2026 and several grant and fee‑exception items. Additional agenda items include a restructure proposal for central dispatch and a resolution honoring 100 years of aviation at the regional airport.

• Public Safety – MMRMA Grant Application for Jail Full Body Scanner Administrative Fee Exception
• Public Safety – Specialty Court Grant Applications Administrative Fee Exception
• Public Works and Human Services – Crandell Park Main Entrance Engineering and Construction Bids
• Restructure Proposal for Central Dispatch and Emergency Management
• 2026/2027 Budget Discussion – Budget and Capital Improvement Program annual report

The Ways and Means Committee unanimously recommended the Board of Commissioners approve payment of $608,021.98 in claims, $3,786,811.46 in immediate claims, $7,524,222.49 in electronic claims, and $2,002,926.17 in employee payroll. It also unanimously recommended approval of several grant administrative fee exceptions and the acceptance of the HRC design bid for Crandell Park. All motions were carried without opposition.

• Approved payment of $608,021.98 claims, $3,786,811.46 immediate claims, $7,524,222.49 electronic claims, and $2,002,926.17 payroll (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of MMRMA Jail Full Body Scanner grant fee exception (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Specialty Court grant fee exception (motion carried, Commissioner Shaver opposed)
• Recommended approval of Suicide Prevention grant fee exception (unanimous)
• Recommended acceptance of HRC bid for Crandell Park entrance, beach, sledding hill, and parking (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of L4046 Base Report with 4.9% increase (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Emergency Services and Central Dispatch restructuring recommendation (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Capital Improvement Program Annual Report (unanimous)

Public Works and Human Services Committee

The Eaton County Public Works and Human Services Committee will review bids for Lincoln Brick Playground Equipment and Crandell Park Main Entrance construction, along with a Suicide Prevention Grant Program. The agenda also includes a report on the Drain Commissioner's annual restructuring request.

• Lincoln Brick Playground Equipment Bids
• Crandell Park Main Entrance Engineering and Construction Bids
• Suicide Prevention Grant Program - Mental Health
• Drain Commissioner Annual Report
• Department of Human Services Board Appointment

The Public Works & Human Services Committee unanimously recommended that the Board of Commissioners approve resolutions to repeal the Eaton County Land Development Code and the Planning Commission Ordinance. It also unanimously approved a $750,000 grant for the Sargant Fox Suicide Prevention program, a playground equipment contract with Midstates Recreation, and a memorandum of understanding with the Mid-Michigan Mountain Biking Association. A motion to forward a request to restructure the Drain Commissioner's Office to the Ways and Means Committee failed. The committee also approved advertising a vacancy on the Human Services Board.

• Recommended approval of resolutions to repeal the Land Development Code and Planning Commission Ordinance (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of up to $750,000 Sargant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant to Ways and Means Committee (unanimous)
• Approved Parks Department contract with Midstates Recreation for playground equipment at Lincoln Brick Park (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of MOU with Mid-Michigan Mountain Biking Association (unanimous)
• Motion to send Drain Commissioner's Office restructure request to Ways and Means Committee failed (2 ayes, 4 nays)
• Approved advertisement of Human Services Board vacancy on website and local paper (unanimous)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will consider several grant applications for drug courts, sobriety courts, and other specialty programs. It will also consider a resolution to appoint a non‑attorney magistrate to the district court. Additional reports will be given by the Sheriff’s Office, Trial Courts, Central Dispatch, Emergency Management, and the Prosecutor’s Office.

• Jail full‑body scanner request and application for an MMRMA grant
• Resolution to appoint a District Court non‑attorney magistrate
• Renewal of the CMH agreement
• Grant applications for Michigan Drug Court, Byrne Memorial JAG, Office of Highway Safety Planning, Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation, Michigan Veterans Treatment Court, and Community Corrections Act programs
• Department reports from Sheriff’s Office, Central Dispatch, Emergency Management, and Prosecutor’s Office

The Public Safety Committee approved its agenda and the April 9 meeting minutes without opposition. It unanimously recommended purchasing a Tech 84 full-body scanner for $150,000 and applying for a $50,000 MMRMA grant. The committee also unanimously supported hiring non‑attorney magistrate Natallie Simpson, renewing the CMH agreement, and approving ten specialty court grant applications to the Ways and Means Committee.

• Approve agenda – motion carried unanimously
• Approve April 9, 2026 minutes – motion carried unanimously
• Recommend purchase of Tech 84 full-body scanner ($150,000) and MMRMA grant application – motion carried unanimously
• Recommend hiring non‑attorney magistrate Natallie Simpson – motion carried unanimously
• Recommend approval of updated CMH agreement – motion carried unanimously
• Recommend approval of ten specialty court grant applications – motion carried unanimously

Planning Commission

The Eaton County Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding four conditional use permit requests. These include requests for business operations, home reconstruction, and a surface mine. The commission will also review Farmland Preservation applications.

• CU-5-18-6: Request to demolish and reconstruct a home at 4387 W. Vermontville, Chester Township
• CU-12-19-7: Request to add a bulk feed store to an agricultural business at 5723 Lamie Hwy., Chester Township
• CU-4-18-1: Request for an attached garage and property division at 2224 S. Canal Road, Eaton Rapids Township
• CU-5-26-2: Request for a surface mine permit at 5726 Sherwood Hwy., Walton Township
• Review of Farmland Preservation (PA 116) applications

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Eaton County Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request from Heather Aemmer to allow an existing structure exceeding 1,200 square feet to be used as an accessory dwelling unit. The requested variance is for 2,286 square feet. The property is at 4030 W. Bellevue Hwy., Walton Township.

• Public hearing on variance application BA-5-26-1: Heather Aemmer requests to use an existing structure as an accessory dwelling unit at 4030 W. Bellevue Hwy., Walton Township; variance from Section 6.2.10 C for exceeding 1,200 sq. ft. by 2,286 sq. ft.

Board of Commissioners

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners will review the September 30, 2025 audit and FY25/26 budget amendments. The body is deciding on submitting juvenile and 9-1-1 service millages to a vote of the electorate. Other business includes adopting an AI and machine learning policy and approving jail service agreements.

• Resolutions to submit Juvenile Millage and 9-1-1 Services Millage to voters
• Resolution to adopt Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Acquisition and Use Policy
• Resolution to approve FY25/26 Budget Amendments
• Resolution to amend the Register of Deeds User Fee Schedule
• Resolution to approve Jail Agreement for Medical/Psychiatric Services

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners approved the FY 2025/26 budget amendments and several millage authorizations, including the Local Roads and Streets Preservation and Improvement Millage. They also adopted an artificial intelligence and machine learning policy and approved updates to opioid settlement funding and jail mental‑health services. All actions were adopted with the recorded vote totals.

• Approved FY 2025/26 Budget Amendments (unanimous)
• Approved Local Roads and Streets Preservation and Improvement Millage Proposal (13‑2)
• Approved Juvenile Millage renewal submission to voters (unanimous)
• Approved Comprehensive Emergency Telephone Services millage submission to voters (unanimous)
• Adopted Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Acquisition and Use Policy (unanimous)
• Amended Funding Agreement for Opioid Settlement Funds with 56th Adult Drug Court (unanimous)
• Approved Physician and Community Mental Health Agreements for Eaton County Jail (unanimous)
• Approved Fund Balance Targets for FY 2026/2027 (passed with one nay)

Ways and Means Committee

The committee will review the 2024/2025 audit and discuss the 2026/2027 budget, including fund balance targets. Members will consider resolutions to put the Juvenile Millage and the 9-1-1 Services millage to a public vote for renewal and restoration.

• Resolution to submit Juvenile Millage renewal and restoration to the electorate
• Resolution to submit 9-1-1 Services millage renewal and restoration to the electorate
• Resolution to accept the September 30, 2025 Eaton County Audit
• Resolution to amend the Register of Deeds User Fee Schedule
• Resolution to approve FY25/26 Budget Amendments

The committee approved a series of resolutions, including the 2025‑2026 budget amendments, the 2026 Equalization Report, and multiple public safety and public works agreements. All motions were carried unanimously. No dissenting votes were recorded.

• Approved 2025/2026 Budget Amendments (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 Equalization Report (unanimous)
• Approved Change of Conditions Fee Waiver for Crandell Park (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to Opioid Settlement Funding Agreement (unanimous)
• Authorized application for Intercounty Drain Grant (unanimous)
• Approved physician agreement for jail psychiatry services (unanimous)
• Approved renewal of jail diversion contract (unanimous)
• Approved adoption of fund‑balance targets for FY 2026/27 (unanimous)

Public Safety Committee

The Public Safety Committee will review several departmental reports, including the Sheriff’s Office, Trial Courts, Central Dispatch, Emergency Management, and the Prosecutor’s Office. It will consider resolutions to submit the Juvenile Millage renewal and the Comprehensive Emergency Telephone Services (9-1-1) millage to a vote of the electorate. The committee will also discuss agreements for jail medical/psychiatric services and a jail diversion program, as well as a restructure proposal for Central Dispatch and Emergency Management.

• Jail Agreement for Medical/Psychiatric Services
• Jail and CMH Agreement Renewal for Jail Diversion
• Resolution to submit Juvenile Millage renewal to electorate
• Resolution to submit Comprehensive Emergency Telephone Services (9-1-1) millage renewal to electorate
• Restructure Proposal for Central Dispatch and Emergency Management

The Public Safety Committee approved several recommendations to the Ways and Means Committee, including jail and mental‑health agreements, millage renewal resolutions, and a restructuring request for Central Dispatch. All motions passed unanimously except the dispatch restructuring, which passed with five commissioners in favor and two opposed. The committee also adopted resolutions supporting Corrections Officer Week, Police Week, and the reclassification of 911 operators as first responders.

• Recommended approval of Jail Agreement for Medical/Psychiatric Services to Ways and Means (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Jail and CMH Agreement Renewal for Jail Diversion to Ways and Means (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Resolution to submit Juvenile Millage renewal to electorate to Ways and Means (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Resolution to submit 9‑1‑1 Services millage renewal to electorate to Ways and Means (unanimous)
• Sent restructuring proposal for Central Dispatch and Emergency Management to Ways and Means (5‑2)
• Approved Resolution supporting Corrections Officer Week to Board of Commissioners (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution supporting National Police Officers Week to Board of Commissioners (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution reclassifying 911 operators as First Responders to Board of Commissioners (unanimous)

Public Works and Human Services Committee

The Public Works and Human Services Committee will review agency reports, evaluate updates to construction and zoning codes, and discuss several program and grant items. Items include a Body Worn Camera policy, a fee‑schedule evaluation for soil erosion and construction codes, and updates on the Michigan Whole Home Performance pilot and the Parks System 5‑Year Master Plan. The meeting also covers grant opportunities for the Drain Commissioner and a request for a department restructuring.

• Body Worn Camera Policy
• Soil Erosion and Construction Codes Fee Schedule Evaluation – Update
• Change of Conditions Fee Waiver Request
• Michigan Whole Home Performance Pilot Program
• Bank Intercounty Drain Grant Opportunity

The Public Works & Human Services Committee unanimously approved a contract with Rowe Professional Services to complete the County’s Parks Five‑Year Master Plan as required by the DNR. It also approved several other items, including a fee‑study contract, a fee waiver for Crandell Park, a grant extension recommendation, a capital equipment purchase, and a grant acceptance recommendation. One motion (capital equipment purchase) recorded a single dissenting vote but still passed.

• Approved contracting Rowe Professional Services for the Parks Five‑Year Master Plan (unanimous)
• Approved contracting MuniVate for a fee‑study of soil erosion and construction code fees (unanimous)
• Approved fee waiver for Crandell Park Conditional Use Permit application (unanimous)
• Recommended opioid grant extension to the Ways and Means Committee (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of a Trac Vac capital equipment (ayes: Pearl‑Wright, Whitacre, Toomey, Hansen, Christensen, Barber; nay: Droscha; motion carried)
• Recommended acceptance of the Bank Intercounty Drain Grant to the Ways & Means Committee (unanimous)
• Postponed Drain Commissioner Office restructuring request to May 13 meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Eaton County Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding two conditional use permit applications. The body will also conduct nominations and elections for Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary.

• CU-3-1-26: Request by William Woods & Stephen Woods for a Construction Contractors Establishment and Storage of Heavy Equipment at 388 W. Grand Ledge Highway
• CU-10-25-9: Request by The Quarry LLC to change conditions for a Commercial Recreation Facility at 3659 E. Clinton Trail & 710 S. Perkey Highway
• Elections of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary

Zoning Board of Appeals

Board of Commissioners

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners will consider a series of resolutions, including a vote to place a Road Commission Local Roads and Streets Preservation and Improvement Millage on the ballot. Additional items include approvals for the FY25/26 budget amendments, an appraisal services contract with Accurate Assessing LLC, and a youth facility physician contract. The meeting also features public comments, retirement recognitions, and committee reports.

• Resolution to Submit a Vote to the Electorate a Road Commission Local Roads and Streets Preservation and Improvement Millage
• Resolution to Approve FY25/26 Budget Amendments
• Resolution to Approve Appraisal Services Contract - Accurate Assessing LLC
• Resolution to Approve Youth Facility Physician Contract
• Resolution to Approve DNR Trust Fund Application

The Eaton County Board of Commissioners approved a series of resolutions, most unanimously. It voted to submit a Road Commission Local Roads and Streets Preservation and Improvements millage to the electorate (12‑2). Other actions included adopting the agricultural plastic film recycling program, entering memoranda of understanding with neighboring counties for waste‑material partnerships, and approving budget amendments and policy updates.

• Approved submission of Road Commission Local Roads and Streets Preservation and Improvements millage (12‑2)
• Approved FY 2025/26 budget amendments (unanimous)
• Approved adoption of Agricultural Plastic Film Recycling Program (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with Calhoun County Recycling and Solid Waste Department (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with Washtenaw County Conservation District (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee (unanimous)
• Approved Central Dispatch No‑Preference Wrecker Policy (unanimous)
• Approved Physician Services agreement for Eaton County Youth Facility (unanimous)

Ways and Means Committee

The Ways and Means Committee will consider several resolutions, including the approval of the FY25/26 budget amendments and a local roads and streets improvement millage. It will also vote on the employment agreement for the new Controller/Administrator, Ben Dawson. Additional items include contracts for a youth facility physician, appraisal services, and various department reports.

• Resolution to approve Controller/Administrator employment agreement with Ben Dawson
• Resolution approving Local Roads and Streets Improvement Millage
• Resolution to approve FY25/26 Budget Amendments
• Resolution to approve Appraisal Services Contract – Accurate Assessing LLC
• Resolution to approve Youth Facility Physician Contract

The committee unanimously recommended approval of several contracts and agreements, including physician services at the youth facility, public defender office changes, and a DNR Trust Fund acquisition grant. A resolution authorizing the Local Roads and Streets Preservation and Improvement Millage Proposal was passed despite two dissenting votes. The committee also approved the 2025/2026 budget amendments and a $10.1 M package of county claim payments.

• Approved agreement for physician services at the Eaton County Youth Facility (unanimous)
• Recommended trial‑court position restructuring be evaluated by a third‑party consultant (unanimous)
• Recommended Public Defender office changes: John Deming Fellowship, contract services, and Clio software (unanimous)
• Approved Local Roads and Streets Preservation and Improvement Millage Proposal (motion passed with two nays: Pearl‑Wright, Mudry)
• Approved application to the Michigan DNR Trust Fund Program for an acquisition grant (unanimous)
• Approved Appraisal Services Contract with Accurate Assessing LLC (unanimous)
• Approved 2025/2026 Budget Amendments (unanimous)
• Approved payment of claims: $305,769.11 immediate, $3,448,549.34 electronic, $6,301,416.69 other electronic, $1,990,875.19 payroll (unanimous)