Otsego County, MI

Opioid Settlement Steering Committee

The Otsego County Opioid Settlement Steering Committee is meeting to discuss administrative procedures for distributing opioid settlement funds. The agenda includes reviewing the proposal review and scoring process, discussing grantee reporting requirements, and contract development. No final decisions are listed; the items are for discussion.

• Discussion of proposal review and scoring process
• Discussion of grantee reporting requirements
• Discussion of contract development
• Conflict of interest disclosure forms

Board of Commissioners

The Otsego County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed Program Year 2025 CDBG funding and closeout of Program Year 2024 grants with MSHDA, and consider resolutions authorizing $90,609.77 in program income funding for low-to-moderate income housing improvements. The board will also review multiple grant agreements, budget amendments, and bid awards for parks and the Groen Preserve, along with several financial policy proposals.

• Public hearing for proposed PY2025 CDBG funding and closeout of PY2024 grants with MSHDA
• OCR 26-26: Resolution authorizing $90,609.77 MSHDA PY2025 CDBG program income funding
• OCR 26-27: Fair Housing Resolution and policy
• BID 2026-03: Parks Libke Field Fence Project Award
• BID 2026-12: Groen Demolition of the Old Groen Motel Award

Board of Commissioners

The Otsego County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss and possibly adopt several financial policies, including a unified financial controls policy, a fund balance and millage review policy, and a legal services policy. The meeting also addresses the decline and disclosure of Healthcare Fund 647 and MERS Fund 704, which have fallen below required balances, and considers restructuring or dissolving the Budget and Finance Committee. The agenda includes multiple motions and a county-wide fund trend and depletion-risk report.

• Adoption of Unified Financial Controls, Reconciliation, Variance Review, Exception Reporting, and Reserve Protection Policy
• Designation of Funds 647 and 704 as immediate corrective-action matters
• Discussion of Healthcare Fund 647 decline below $250,000 balance and MERS Fund 704 reaching zero
• Possible adoption of Fund Balance and Millage Review Policy
• Motion to prepare dissolution of Budget and Finance Committee or reconstitute it

Budget & Finance Committee

The Otsego County Budget & Finance Committee will approve minutes and review new business items, including several grant agreements for housing, veterans, and safety programs. The agenda includes awarding bids for park upgrades, fencing, and demolition projects, as well as multiple budget amendments for funds like the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund and Airport operations. A closed session is scheduled to consider the purchase of real property.

• Grant agreements for Materials Management, Housing, Veteran Service, and Motorcycle Safety programs
• Bid awards for Otsego Lake County Park electrical and fencing upgrades, Libke Field fence, and Groen Motel demolition
• Budget amendments for Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund, Airport fuel tank replacement, and Iron Belle Trail maintenance
• Closed session to consider purchase of real property
• Approval of June 16 and June 25, 2026 committee minutes

Election Commission

The Otsego County Election Commission is meeting to conduct a clarity hearing on a recall petition filed by Paul Kanary to recall Todd Sharrard from the office of Mayor for the City of Gaylord. The hearing will determine whether the petition language is clear. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Clarity hearing on recall petition filed by Paul Kanary
• Recall target: Todd Sharrard, Mayor of Gaylord
• Meeting at County Building, 225 West Main Street, Gaylord, MI

The Otsego County Election Commission unanimously approved a recall petition filed by Paul Kanary against Gaylord Mayor Todd Sharrard. The Commission found the stated reasons factual and clear enough for voters to identify the alleged conduct. The petition can be circulated after the 10-day appeal deadline, requiring 374 signatures.

• Approved recall petition against Mayor Todd Sharrard (3-0)
• Determined petition language factual and of sufficient clarity
• Set appeal deadline of August 24, 2026 to Circuit Court
• Returned original petition to sponsor Paul Kanary

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Otsego County Parks and Recreation Commission is meeting to consider a closed session to discuss purchasing real property, as allowed under the Open Meetings Act. The agenda includes standard procedural items such as call to order, public comment, and adjournment. No other substantive decisions or discussions are listed.

• Closed session to consider purchase of real property (Section 8(d), Open Meetings Act)
• Public comment periods for agenda items and general comments
• Commissioner comments and adjournment

Board of Canvassers

The Otsego County Board of Canvassers is holding a regular meeting to continue canvassing the results of the August 4, 2026 election. The agenda includes a call to order, the canvassing work, public comment, and adjournment. This is a routine procedural meeting focused on election certification.

• Continue canvassing August 4, 2026 election results
• Public comment period

The Board of Canvassers certified the August 4, 2026 election. They resolved discrepancies in Bagley Township AV Precincts 1&2 by hand-counting envelopes, confirming 850 ballots, and accepted the outcome. A late MOVE ballot from Otsego Lake Township was rejected, and another was spoiled due to overvoting.

• Certified August 4, 2026 election
• Accepted Bagley AV Precincts 1&2 count of 850 ballots after hand-count verification
• Rejected 1 MOVE ballot from Otsego Lake Township received after deadline
• Spoiled 1 MOVE ballot from Otsego Lake Township due to overvote and crossing party lines

Board of Commissioners

The Otsego County Board of Commissioners is holding a regular meeting with a consent agenda to approve the July 28, 2026 minutes. The main business is three special presentations: the 2025 audit by Clark Schaefer Hackett, an annual report from the Northeast Michigan Community Service Agency (NEMCSA), and an update from the Otsego County Commission on Aging. The board will also review financial warrants for August 4 and August 11, 2026, and may enter closed session for an administrator review.

• 2025 audit presentation by Clark Schaefer Hackett
• NEMCSA annual report: 14,213 individuals served, $76M funding, 53.7% federal share
• Otsego County Commission on Aging update by Executive Director Dona Wishart
• Approval of July 28, 2026 regular meeting minutes
• August 4 and August 11, 2026 warrants

The Otsego County Board of Commissioners approved two warrants totaling $953,837.78 and entered closed session to discuss the County Administrator review. The board also received presentations on the 2025 audit, NEMCSA annual report, and Commission on Aging report.

• Approved August 4, 2026 Warrant of $802,213.51 and four void checks (8-1, Mason nay)
• Approved August 11, 2026 Warrant of $151,624.27 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including July 28, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Recessed into closed session for County Administrator review (8-0, Sortor excused)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Otsego County Parks and Recreation Commission will review and act on several items, including the potential sale of the Community Center, options to address Wah Wah Soo Beach erosion, and the 2027 parks and recreation budget. They will also consider bids for fence and electrical projects, a new reservation system contract, and a new assistant monitor position. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and public comment periods.

• Community Center sale discussion
• Wah Wah Soo Beach erosion options ($30,000 repair vs $158,000 reconstruction)
• Bid 2026-03 Libke Field Fence Project
• Bid 2026-04 Otsego Lake County Park Fence Project
• Bid 2026-05 Otsego Lake County Park Electrical Upgrades Project

Board of Canvassers

The Otsego County Board of Canvassers will meet to review and canvass the results of the August 4, 2026 election. The meeting includes a period for public comment.

• Canvass of August 4, 2026 election results

The Otsego County Board of Canvassers reviewed precinct results but did not certify the election, as Hayes Township and Otsego Lake Township have MOVE ballots not yet returned. The board will meet again on August 11, 2026, to finish the canvass. It also agreed to have the Bagley Township Clerk appear by phone to explain discrepancies in precinct tallies and tabulator jamming issues.

• Delayed election certification pending MOVE ballot returns (Hayes Township: 1, Otsego Lake Township: 3)
• Agreed to have Bagley Township Clerk appear by phone to explain ID/vouching issue in Precinct 1
• Agreed to have Bagley Township Clerk appear by phone to explain poll book/tape discrepancies in Precincts 1&2 and tabulator jamming
• Accepted City of Gaylord Ward 3 tape discrepancy (1 vote) as explained by voter walking out without voting
• Scheduled next meeting for August 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. to finish canvass

Opioid Settlement Steering Committee

The Otsego County Opioid Settlement Steering Committee will meet to adopt bylaws, review funding notices, and discuss competitive bid and proposal review processes. No decisions are scheduled; the meeting focuses on procedural setup for future opioid settlement spending.

• Adopt bylaws for the steering committee
• Review notice of funding, request for proposal, and budget documents
• Discuss competitive bid process and timeline
• Discuss proposal review and scoring process
• Complete conflict of interest disclosure forms

The Otsego County Opioid Settlement Steering Committee approved the Notice of Funding Opportunity and Request for Proposal documents as amended, allowing them to be released to the public. The committee also adopted its bylaws and agreed on a competitive funding process with a tentative start date of January 2027. Discussion on proposal review and scoring was postponed to the August meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes from June (7-0)
• Adopted bylaws as presented (7-0)
• Approved Notice of Funding Opportunity and Request for Proposal documents as amended (7-0)
• Agreed on competitive funding process and timeline, with tentative grant funding start in January 2027

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial warrants and receive reports from the County Clerk and North County Community Mental Health. The Administrator will report on an emergency purchase regarding the bus system.

• Emergency Purchase – Bus System
• July 21, 2026 Warrant
• July 28, 2026 Warrant
• Presentation by Brian Babbitt, CEO of North County Community Mental Health
• Approval of July 14, 2026 meeting minutes

The Board of Commissioners approved two payment warrants totaling $395,802.32. The meeting included reports on mental health services, election security, and county clerk activities.

• Approved July 21, 2026 Warrant of $323,490.21 (Unanimous)
• Approved July 28, 2026 Warrant of $72,312.31 (Unanimous)
• Approved Regular Minutes of July 14, 2026 (Unanimous consent)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Otsego County Zoning Board of Appeals met to decide two public hearings: a denied non-use variance for an accessory building on Northwood Dr in Hayes Township and a temporary use permit for a snowmobile racing event on Five Lakes Rd in Livingston Township. The board also approved minutes from a prior meeting.

• Denied non-use variance for 5965 Northwood Dr, Hayes Township (PZBA25-001) to reduce front setback for accessory building
• Approved minutes from July 29, 2025 meeting
• Temporary use permit requested for snowmobile racing event at 988 Five Lakes Rd, Livingston Township (PZBA25-002)

Personnel Committee

The Otsego County Personnel Committee will discuss proposals to convert two part-time roles to full-time and a title change for a nature preserve supervisor. The committee will also consider a proposal to adopt a hiring freeze.

• Proposal to increase Part-time to Full-time Operational Maintenance Worker (Airport/Building & Grounds)
• Proposal to increase Part-time to Full-time Housing Clerk/Veterans Service Officer (Housing/Veterans Affairs)
• Proposal to change title from Groen Property Manager to Groen Building & Grounds Supervisor
• Proposal to adopt a hiring freeze

The committee unanimously approved proposals to convert two part-time roles to full-time and change one job title. All three approved items were referred to the Budget & Finance Committee for further action.

• Approved increasing Part-time Operational Maintenance Worker to Full-time pending financial analysis and Guardian Flight funding conversation (Unanimous)
• Approved increasing Part-time Housing Clerk/Veterans Service Officer to Full-time (Unanimous)
• Approved title change from Groen Property Manager to Groen Building & Grounds Supervisor (Unanimous)
• Approved June 12, 2026 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Housing Committee

The Otsego County Housing Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several housing-related items, including a Community Development Needs Assessment, the PY 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application, and various program guidelines and policies. The agenda includes approval of minutes from four emergency meetings held earlier in 2026. Public comments are limited to three minutes.

• Housing Community Development Needs Assessment
• PY 2025 Community Development Block Grant Application
• Program Guidelines & Applicant/Contractor Requirements
• Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity Plan/Policy
• Notice of Public Hearing – Board of Commissioners Meeting - August 25, 2026

The Otsego County Housing Committee unanimously approved the PY25 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application and related documents for submission to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The committee also approved the close-out of the PY24 grant and received and filed financial reports ending June 30, 2026. A new Housing Clerk, Eric Nico, was introduced.

• Approved PY25 CDBG grant application and close out PY24 grant (unanimous)
• Approved housing community development needs assessment, program guidelines, applicant/contractor requirements, homeowner certification, program agreement, contractor-owner contract, fair housing plan, and citizen participation plan (unanimous)
• Approved notice of public hearing for August 25, 2026, to be submitted to County Board of Commissioners (unanimous)
• Received and filed month-end financial reports ending June 30, 2026 (unanimous)

Veteran's Affairs Committee

The Otsego County Veteran’s Affairs Committee will hold its regular meeting on July 21, 2026. Members will review the May 19, 2026 minutes and discuss the status of the MVAA FY26 CVSF Grant. The agenda also includes a preview of the Northern MI Benefit Fair scheduled for November 5, 2026, clerk interviews, and several reports.

• MVAA FY26 CVSF Grant – Status
• Northern MI Benefit Fair – November 5, 2026
• Clerk Interviews
• Director Report
• Financial Reports – Veteran’s Affairs, Burial, Soldiers Relief

The Otsego County Veterans Affairs Committee approved the May 19, 2026 minutes and the month-end financial reports ending June 30, 2026, both unanimously. The committee also introduced Eric Nico as the new Housing/Veterans Service Officer Clerk after conducting twelve interviews. A proposal to move the clerk position to full-time was discussed, with the director to present it at a Personnel meeting on July 24, 2026.

• Approved May 19, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved month-end financial reports ending June 30, 2026 (unanimous)
• Introduced Eric Nico as new Housing/Veterans Service Officer Clerk
• Discussed proposal to move clerk position to full-time, to be presented at Personnel meeting July 24, 2026

Board of Commissioners

The Otsego County Board of Commissioners will approve minutes, recognize Alpenfest award recipients, and hold a closed session to review a county attorney's legal opinion on a release agreement. The meeting also includes a presentation from the Health Department of Northwest Michigan and discussion of the 2027 budget calendar.

• Approval of five Alpenfest awards: Der Buergermeister (Dana Bensinger), Parade Marshal (Brian Pearson), Legacy Award (Robert Schlang), Dar Award (Anthony Bernadyn), Edelweiss Award (Kirk Miller), Honored Industry (7-Eleven, owner Jerome Kievit) - resolutions OCR 26-20 through 26-25
• Closed session under Michigan law to review legal opinion regarding a release agreement
• Presentation of 2027 Budget Calendar by Budget & Finance committee
• Approval of warrants for June 30, July 7, and July 14, 2026
• Presentation from Health Department of Northwest Michigan - Shannon Klonowski

The Otsego County Board approved its regular minutes, the FY 2027 budget calendar, three financial warrants, and a series of Alpenfest honor resolutions. A closed‑session was entered to review privileged material, and the board subsequently approved the legal recommendations from that session.

• Approved regular minutes of June 23, 2026 (unanimous consent)
• Approved Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Calendar (unanimous)
• Approved June 30, 2026 warrant for $154,704.83 and 57 voided checks (unanimous)
• Approved July 7, 2026 warrant for $192,322.56 and 13 voided checks (unanimous)
• Approved July 14, 2026 warrant for $746,630.36 and 35 voided checks (6‑2 vote)
• Approved resolutions OCR 26‑20 through OCR 26‑25 honoring Alpenfest awardees (unanimous)
• Entered closed session to consider attorney‑client privileged material (unanimous)
• Approved recommendations from legal opinion discussed in closed session (unanimous)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Otsego County Parks and Recreation Commission will consider several new business items including a fireworks report, multiple pavilion usage requests, a special event application, electrical upgrades at Otsego Lake County Park, and a county park road project. The commission will also review previous meeting minutes, budget reports, and old business such as the Wah Wah Soo Beach erosion and project list.

• Otsego Lake County Park Electrical Upgrades Project
• County Park Road Project
• Gaylord Youth Instructional Football INC Special Event Application
• EMS Regional Managers Pavilion Usage Request
• Road Commission Pavilion Usage Request

Transportation and Building & Grounds Committee

The Transportation and Building & Grounds Committee will review minutes from a May meeting, receive reports on transit and airport operations, and discuss facility maintenance and upcoming events.

• Review of May 2026 Transportation Committee minutes
• Airport Camera Contract discussion
• Generator Contract Signed
• Bid Process for Hangar Build
• Fuel Truck Emergency Repair

The Transportation and Building & Grounds Committee met on July 9, 2026, and unanimously approved the agenda, prior minutes, and financial reports for the bus, airport, and building and grounds operations. The committee voted to send the replacement of Bus #4's transmission to the Budget and Finance Committee for further action. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were informational reports.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved Transportation and Airport Committee minutes of 14 May 2026 (3-0)
• Acknowledged bus financial report (3-0)
• Sent Bus #4 transmission replacement to Budget and Finance Committee (3-0)
• Acknowledged airport financial report (3-0)
• Acknowledged building and grounds financial report (3-0)

Budget & Finance Committee

The committee will review the 2027 budget calendar and discuss the Purchasing & Contracting Policy. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from June 16, 2026.

• Purchasing & Contracting Policy
• 2027 Budget Calendar

The Budget & Finance Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Calendar. The committee also held extensive discussions regarding proposed changes to the Purchasing & Contracting Policy, which will continue at the next meeting.

• Approved June 16th meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2027 Budget Calendar (4-0)

Opioid Settlement Steering Committee

The Otsego County Opioid Settlement Steering Committee will discuss posting meeting information online, review a community needs assessment, set funding priorities, and review draft Request for Proposals (RFP) documents. No votes on specific allocations are scheduled.

• Discussion of posting committee meeting information on the county website
• Review of needs assessment for opioid settlement funds
• Priority determinations for funding allocation
• Review of Request for Proposals (RFP) process and documents
• Conflict of interest disclosure and bylaws discussion

The Otsego County Opioid Settlement Steering Committee approved the May meeting minutes and collected conflict of interest forms. The committee agreed on edits to draft bylaws for final approval next meeting, and agreed to post agendas, minutes, schedules, and the needs assessment on the county website. They agreed to prioritize proposals aligning with the needs assessment and discussed releasing approximately $150,000 to $200,000 in FY27 funding, reviewing RFP templates from other states.

• Approved May meeting minutes (6 yes, 0 no)
• Collected conflict of interest forms from members
• Agreed on draft bylaw edits for review at next meeting
• Agreed to post meeting info and needs assessment on county website
• Agreed to prioritize proposals aligning with needs assessment
• Discussed releasing $150,000-$200,000 in FY27 funding
• Reviewed RFP template documents from Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee

Board of Commissioners

The board will consider consent agenda items, hear presentations on an opioid assessment and economic development, discuss budget amendments for facilities and the register of deeds, and vote on the EMS millage renewal. A closed session will address a lawsuit against the prosecutor's office.

• EMS Millage Renewal (OCR 26-19)
• Closed Session for Soldan v. Otsego County Prosecutor's Office, Case# 26-20403-CZ
• Budget Amendment/Transfer for Facilities Planning Fund
• Register of Deeds Automation Firewall Upgrade budget amendment
• Region 9 Area Agency on Aging Proposed 2027 Annual Implementation Plan

The Board approved placing a 0.78-mill Emergency Medical Services (EMS) renewal millage on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. The board also approved several budget amendments, including transferring funds for the Judicial Center and a firewall upgrade, and approved two warrants totaling over $634,000. The board entered closed session to discuss litigation strategy in the Soldan v Otsego County Prosecutor's Office case and authorized counsel to proceed as discussed.

• Approved EMS renewal millage of 0.78 mills for Nov. 3, 2026 ballot (5-2)
• Approved $29,087.70 transfer from Facilities Planning Fund to Capital Project Fund for Judicial Center (4-3)
• Approved $12,000 transfer from Register of Deeds Automation Fund to Equipment Fund for firewall upgrade (unanimous)
• Approved authorization to allocate Judicial Center funds to County Administrator, Finance Director, Treasurer (4-3)
• Approved June 16, 2026 warrant of $363,308.11 and 5 voided checks (unanimous)
• Approved June 23, 2026 warrant of $271,615.86 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including June 9, 2026 minutes and Region 9 Area Agency on Aging 2027 plan (unanimous)
• Authorized counsel to proceed as discussed in closed session on Soldan v Otsego County Prosecutor's Office (unanimous)

Budget & Finance Committee

The Otsego County Budget and Finance Committee will discuss the proposed 2028 EMS millage and consider budget amendments for the Facilities Planning Fund and Capital Projects Fund for the Judicial Center. Other agenda items include a firewall upgrade for the Register of Deeds automation, financial updates, and a credit card item. The meeting includes public comments and a possible closed session.

• 2028 EMS Millage Proposal
• Register of Deeds Automation – Firewall Upgrade
• Facilities Planning Fund – Budget Amendment/Transfer
• Capital Projects Fund – Judicial Center Allocations
• Credit Card item (details not specified)

The committee approved several financial transfers related to the Judicial Center and authorized the use of funds for a firewall upgrade. The 2028 EMS millage proposal remains tabled pending further review.

• Approved June 16th meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $12,000 from Register of Deeds Automation Fund for firewall upgrade (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of $29,087.70 from Facilities Planning Fund to Capital Projects Fund (unanimous)
• Approved authorization for officials to allocate Judicial Center funds (unanimous)
• Accepted credit card report (unanimous)
• Tabled 2028 EMS millage proposal until next meeting

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will meet to discuss and potentially revise the County employee handbook policy. They will also consider approving the minutes from the May 8, 2026 meeting and receive updates from the Human Resources Department.

• Review of Employee Handbook Policy
• Approval of May 8, 2026 Personnel Committee Minutes

The Personnel Committee reviewed various edits to the Employee Handbook, including updates to vehicle usage by minors and changes to form titles. Following these discussions, the committee voted to send the handbook to legal counsel for review after final internal revisions are completed.

• Approved May 8, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved changing 'Vacation Request Form' to 'Request for Leave Form'
• Approved sending updated Employee Handbook to legal for review (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Otsego County Board will consider several items, including approval of the May 26 meeting minutes and two brownfield remediation contracts. The Board will also review two mortgage discharge requests, a proposed EMS millage, and upcoming financial warrants. Decisions will be made on the brownfield contracts and the EMS millage during this meeting.

• BID 2026-09: Award for Brownfield Vapor Mitigation System installation
• BID 2026-10: Award for Brownfield soil excavation, transport, and disposal
• OCR 26-19: Approval of EMS Millage
• June 2 and June 9, 2026 financial warrants
• Discharge of mortgages for G. Gault, J. Hibbs, and M. Norwick

The Board of Commissioners approved multiple mortgage discharges, contract awards for Triterra, LLC and EQ Industrial Services, Inc., and two warrants. The board also tabled an EMS millage proposal for further review.

• Approved discharge of mortgage for Gerald M. Gault and Phyllis Gault (7-0)
• Approved discharge of mortgage for Joyce Hibbs (7-0)
• Approved discharge of mortgage for Mary Ann Norwick and Allan Norwick (7-0)
• Awarded BID 2026-09 to Triterra, LLC for $105,000.00 (unanimous)
• Awarded BID 2026-10 to EQ Industrial Services, Inc. for $164,345.00 (unanimous)
• Tabled OCR 26-10 EMS millage proposal for review (unanimous)
• Approved June 2, 2026 Warrant for $278,911.58 and 1 void check (5-2)
• Approved June 9, 2026 Warrant for $382,673.19 (5-2)

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Commission will review budget reports and bills. The body is scheduled to discuss the potential sale of the Community Center and repairs to the Community Center roof.

• Discussion of Community Center sale
• Discussion of Community Center roof
• Basketball Camp
• Wah Wah Soo Beach erosion project
• Libke Fields fence and infield projects

Budget & Finance Committee

The Budget and Finance Committee will discuss a proposed 2028 EMS millage and a bid for soil excavation at the judicial center. Unfinished business includes a purchasing and contracting policy. The committee will also approve minutes from two prior meetings.

• Purchasing and Contracting Policy (unfinished business)
• 2028 EMS Millage Proposal
• Bid 2026-10: Otsego County Judicial Center – Soil Excavation, Transportation & Disposal
• Approval of April 18th and April 20th, 2026 committee minutes

The committee approved ballot language for a 2028 EMS millage renewal to be held in November 2026. Two construction-related bids for the Otsego County Judicial Center were also awarded. The committee reviewed updates to the county purchasing policy.

• Approved 2028 EMS millage ballot language for November 2026 (3-0)
• Awarded Bid 2026-10 for Judicial Center soil work to EQ Industrial Services (3-0)
• Awarded Bid 2026-09 for Judicial Center vapor mitigation system to Tri-Terra LLC (3-0)
• Approved May 18, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May 20, 2026 minutes (unanimous)

Opioid Settlement Steering Committee

The Otsego County Opioid Settlement Steering Committee is holding an organizational meeting to define its goals, structure, and timeline. Members will receive an overview of the opioid settlements from the Michigan Association of Counties, complete conflict of interest disclosure forms, and review draft bylaws. No votes or decisions are recorded on this agenda; the session is focused on establishing the committee's framework.

• Review of committee charge: goals, structure, expectations, timeline
• Overview of opioid settlements presented by MAC's Amy Dolinky
• Completion of conflict of interest disclosure forms
• Draft bylaws review

The steering committee voted to name Matt Muladore as Chair, Taylor Johnson as Vice‑Chair, and Ellen Templeton as Secretary (6‑yes, 0‑no). Members agreed to take additional time to complete the Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form and return it at the next meeting. Ellen Templeton was assigned to revise and distribute the draft bylaws before the next meeting.

• Appointed Matt Muladore as Chair (6‑yes, 0‑no)
• Appointed Taylor Johnson as Vice‑Chair (6‑yes, 0‑no)
• Appointed Ellen Templeton as Secretary (6‑yes, 0‑no)
• Tasked members to complete Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form by next meeting
• Assigned Ellen Templeton to update and distribute revised bylaws before next meeting
• Chair Matt Muladore and Vice‑Chair Taylor Johnson to set next meeting date
• Ellen Templeton to send meeting invitations

Housing Committee

The Otsego County Housing Committee will hold an emergency meeting on May 27, 2026, to address unfinished business regarding emergency roof projects and the discharge of paid mortgages. The agenda also includes the retirement of the Housing Clerk and a job posting.

• Emergency meeting scheduled for May 27, 2026
• Approval of previous Housing meeting minutes
• Unfinished business: Emergency Roof 05-2024 Completion
• Unfinished business: Emergency Roof 06-2024 Amendment
• Housing Clerk retirement and job posting

The Housing Committee unanimously approved the March 12, 2026 emergency meeting minutes. It also approved a $991 amendment for emergency roof project 06‑2024 using FY24 program income funds. The committee voted to discharge the mortgages for projects 04‑2020, HO‑0812‑128423, and 08‑2017, and to submit the discharges to the County Board of Commissioners. Finally, the month‑end financial reports ending April 30, 2026 were received and filed.

• Approved emergency meeting minutes of March 12, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved $991 amendment for emergency roof project 06‑2024, funded from FY24 program income (unanimous)
• Approved discharge of 04‑2020 mortgage, to be submitted to County Board (unanimous)
• Approved discharge of HO‑0812‑128423 mortgage, to be submitted to County Board (unanimous)
• Approved discharge of 08‑2017 mortgage, to be submitted to County Board (unanimous)
• Received and filed month‑end financial reports ending April 30, 2026 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will vote on a proposal to contract with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan for $18,000 to coordinate Otsego County's opioid settlement fund administration. Also up for approval: a Public Improvement Fund use policy, several budget amendments (including $ for sheriff tasers, animal control vehicle repairs, lawn mower purchase), and funding commitments for the Judicial Center and trail cleanup. Special presentations from NEMCOG, Northern Michigan Children's Assessment Center, and The Refuge.

• $18,000 opioid settlement administration proposal from Health Department of Northwest Michigan
• Amended resolution OCR 26-13 to commit funds for Otsego County Judicial Center
• BID 2026-07: Groen Nature Preserve trail cleanup (7.8 miles)
• Budget amendment for Sheriff Department to purchase three Axon Tasers
• Public Improvement Fund Use Policy revision

The Otsego County Board approved the amended 2026‑2031 Capital Improvement Plan. It also approved the Opioid Settlement Funding Administration proposal, the Public Improvement Fund Use Policy, and the OCR 26‑13 resolution to commit funds for the Judicial Center. Contracts were awarded to Bee‑2 Mulching ($68,500) and to Wade Trim Inc. and Brand Land Surveying LLC ($16,858 each). Budget amendments for animal‑control vehicle maintenance and a new lawn mower were also approved.

• Adopted amended 2026‑2031 Capital Improvement Plan (5‑2)
• Approved Opioid Settlement Funding Administration proposal (6‑1)
• Approved Public Improvement Fund Use Policy (5‑2)
• Approved OCR 26‑13 Resolution for Judicial Center funds (5‑2)
• Awarded Bee‑2 Mulching contract for trail clean‑up, $68,500 (unanimous)
• Awarded Wade Trim Inc. and Brand Land Surveying contracts, $16,858 each (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment for Animal Control vehicle maintenance (5‑2)
• Approved budget amendment for purchase of new lawn mower (unanimous)