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Tuscola County Board Of Commissioners Minutes From December 15th
Russ Survance
Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:29:23 EST
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Tuscola County Board of Commissioners
Regular Meeting
8:00 a.m. - Monday, December 15, 2025
Tuscola County People's Building, Community Building
171 N. State Street, Caro, MI 48723
Commissioner Vaughan called the regular meeting of the Tuscola County Board of Commissioners to order at 8:00 a.m. at the Tuscola County People's Building, Community Building, 171 N. State Street, Caro, Michigan.
Prayer was offered by Commissioner Koch.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commissioner Lutz.
Roll call was conducted by Clerk Jodi Fetting.
Commissioners present in person: Nancy Barrios, Thomas Bardwell, Kim Vaughan, Bill Lutz, and Matt Koch.
Commissioners absent: None.
Others present in person included: Clerk Jodi Fetting, Eean Lee, Erica Dibble, Steve Anderson, Mike Miller, Sheriff Ryan Robinson, Jennifer Putman, Isabella Putman, Ken Dunton, Drain Commissioner Dara Hood, Amanda Ertman, Karly Creguer, Carrie Tabar, Alisha Proctor, Jim Tussey, Jim McLoskey, Tyler Ray, Shelly Lutz, Jamie Nisidis, Cody Horton.
Others present virtually included: Tracy Violet, Mary Drier, Treasurer Ashley Bennett, Angie Daniels, Angie House, Bonnie Fackler, Cindy McKinney-Volz, Janie Hemerline, Kristy Sutherland, Laura Boyke-Hawes, Mitch Davies, Shelly Lutz, Thomas Brocklehurst, Katie Robinson, Cindy Hughes, Estee Bitzer, Heather Malloy, Rita Papp, Brandon Bertram, Connie Keinath, Debbie Babich, Echo Torrez, Brent Dankert, Linda Strasz, Nancy Laskowski, Scienna Nieschulz, Olivia Chapin, Judge Nancy Thane, Steve Root, Tanya Pisha, Judy Cockerill, Cody Horton, Larry Zapfe, Register of Deeds Marianne Brandt, Jon Ramirez, Shannon Beach, Shannon Nelson, Tim Green, Tom McLane, Sandy Nielson, Barry Lapp, Ashley Gaudett, Kandi Teddy, John Boggs, Robert Baxter, Dan Lisowski, Julie Matuszak, Lakin Chapin, Krystaria Skakle, Sherry Billot, Judge Amy Grace Gierhart, Amanda Ertman, Carrie Tabar, Jim Tussey, and Kyle Nordstrom.
At 8:10 a.m., there were 41 virtual participants.
Adoption of agenda
Motion 2025-M-308
Motion by Koch, seconded by Barrios, to adopt the agenda as presented.
Motion carried.
Action on previous meeting minutes
Motion 2025-M-309
Motion by Lutz, seconded by Koch, to approve the November 24, 2025 regular meeting minutes.
Motion carried.
Brief public comment (agenda items only)
No public comment.
Consent agenda
Motion 2025-M-310
Motion by Lutz, seconded by Koch, that the Consent Agenda Minutes and Consent Agenda Items from the December 8, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting be adopted.
Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
New radio consolette expenditure
Approve the quote from Motorola Solutions for dispatch radios in the amount of $10,335.33 and authorize any necessary budget amendments.
Uninterruptible Power Source (UPS) - Aerico
Approve the Aerico, Inc./Schneider Electric Critical Power and Cooling Services quote for one 10kVA power upgrade service for Galaxy VSUPS for 911 Dispatch in the amount of $5,640.00, excluding freight, and authorize any necessary budget amendments.
Dispatch Intrado invoice
Approve the Intrado invoice for year 4 of 5 of the recurring maintenance contract in the amount of $8,784.50, per the recommendation of Deputy Dispatch Director Carrie Tabar.
2026 Budget Development Calendar - proposed amendments
Accept the 2026 Budget Development Calendar - Proposed Amendments as presented by Controller/Administrator Erica Dibble.
New business
Commissioner wages
Controller/Administrator Erica Dibble explained that the proposed motion would freeze scheduled wage increases for the Board of Commissioners and the Road Commission Board.
Motion 2025-M-311
Motion by Lutz, seconded by Barrios, to freeze the Tuscola County Board of Commissioners and Tuscola County Road Commissioners scheduled 3% pay increase for 2026, 2027, and 2028 until further notice.
Yes: Barrios, Bardwell, Vaughan, Lutz, Koch.
Motion carried.
Economic Development Commission (EDC) update
EDC Board Member Jim Tussey provided an update on the Caro Area Airport and the Economic Development Commission. He reported the airport received a full license reinstatement this year (not provisional), the runway expansion is included in the five-year plan, and a grant for snow removal equipment has been awarded.
Tussey also reviewed the proposed 2026 EDC budget, which includes an allocation from the County's General Fund, noting projected 2026 expenses are higher than in 2025 due to having a full-time director in place.
Interim Dispatch Director appointment
Controller/Administrator Dibble reviewed a request from the Dispatch Authority Board to appoint interim leadership for Dispatch, proposing two Co?Dispatch Directors.
Motion 2025-M-312
Motion by Koch, seconded by Lutz, that due to additional dispatch duties, Deputy Dispatch Director Carrie Tabar be named Interim Co-Dispatch Director and receive a bi-weekly stipend of $405.53, effective December 12, 2025, to remain in effect until a full-time Dispatch Director is hired.
Motion carried.
Motion 2025-M-313
Motion by Koch, seconded by Lutz, that due to additional dispatch duties, Emergency Manager Steve Anderson be named Interim Co-Dispatch Director and receive a bi-weekly stipend of $405.53, effective December 12, 2025, to remain in effect until a full-time Dispatch Director is hired.
Motion carried.
Courthouse lawn request
Controller/Administrator Dibble reviewed a request from Jim McLoskey.
Motion 2025-M-314
Motion by Lutz, seconded by Koch, to approve the request from Jim McLoskey to hold the annual Memorial Service in front of the Tuscola County Courthouse on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Motion carried.
Drain truck replacement
Drain Commissioner Dara Hood reported an updated bid from Pat Curtis Chevrolet reflecting a lower cost due to additional rebates. Dibble noted sufficient funds in the Drain Commissioner's budget, with the truck purchase, net of trade-in, being budget-neutral for the office.
Motion 2025-M-315
Motion by Lutz, seconded by Barrios, to approve the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado from Pat Curtis Chevrolet in the amount of $35,560.00, including the trade-in of a 2013 Ford F-150. Also, authorize budget amendments to the 244 Equipment/Technology Fund in the amount of $35,560.00: $25,560.00 from Drain Commission line items and $10,000.00 previously allocated for equipment from the 802 Fund.
Motion carried.
Old business
Agreement for shared use of 362 Green Street
Dibble reported working with Tussey on the proposed agreement. Tussey indicated an effective date of January 1, 2026, is acceptable.
Motion 2025-M-316
Motion by Koch, seconded by Bardwell, to approve the agreement with the Tuscola County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), effective January 1, 2026, for use of the Tuscola County building located at 362 Green Street, Caro, MI 48723, and authorize all necessary signatures.
Motion carried.
Discussion on Road Commission
Commissioner Vaughan reported that Representative Bierlein confirmed the sunset clause related to the option of dissolving the elected Road Commission Board was eliminated. Vaughan requested a monthly report from a Road Commission representative at the first Committee of the Whole meeting beginning January 2026 to improve communication.
Commissioner Barrios stated she wants a better understanding of the Road Commission Board’s processes, as the Board's effectiveness depends on the information it receives. Commissioners Lutz and Koch expressed a desire for greater responsiveness from the Road Commission regarding safety measures on county roads. Commissioner Bardwell requested measurable metrics in the Road Commission's reports and visible action on safety concerns.
Former Road Commission employee Ken Dunton commented that drivers must be accountable for their driving habits and expressed concern regarding potential safety issues following the installation of rumble strips.
Jennifer Putman addressed the Board about several high-concern intersections, noting that proposed solutions and funding methods were previously presented to the Road Commission; she read the response received from the Road Commission.
Isabella Putman summarized her research on five intersections where installation of rumble strips has been recommended.
Motion 2025-M-317
Motion by Koch, seconded by Lutz, to direct the Road Commission to install rumble strips and flashing stop signs at the following locations:
Hurds Corner Road and Deckerville Road
Irish Road and Birch Run Road
Birch Run Road and M-15
Hurds Corner Road and Bevens Road
Hurds Corner Road and M-46
Fairgrove Road and Vassar Road
The Road Commission shall provide a report to the Board of Commissioners at the December 22, 2025 Board meeting, with a follow-up report at the January 12, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting regarding implementation steps and budget processing, and continue reporting at the first Committee of the Whole meeting monthly thereafter or as requested.
Motion carried.
Discussion on a hiring freeze for the county
Dibble noted that all elected officials and department heads currently bring hiring requests to the Board prior to an official hire, so a formal hiring freeze may not be necessary. The Board discussed a hiring freeze that would require Board approval before advertising open positions.
Dibble stated that if a job offer is made before Board approval, there may be liability for the county; she therefore recommended no offers be extended until the Board approves hiring requests.
Amanda Ertman expressed concern about existing challenges in recruiting candidates and asked how a hiring freeze would affect positions already advertised.
No action was taken; the issue may be revisited later if needed.
The Board recessed at 10:02 a.m. and reconvened at 10:11 a.m.
At 10:11 a.m., there were 42 virtual participants.
New business (continued)
Closed session - collective bargaining strategy
Motion 2025-M-318
Motion by Koch, seconded by Lutz, that the Board of Commissioners enter closed session under Section 8(1)(c) for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement, with the following individuals permitted to attend: Attorney Jamie Nisidis of Braun Kendrick, Controller/Administrator Erica Dibble, Finance Director Shelly Lutz, Sheriff Ryan Robinson, and Clerk Jodi Fetting.
Yes: Barrios, Bardwell, Vaughan, Lutz, Koch.
Motion carried.
Closed session began at 10:13 a.m.
The Board reconvened in open session at 11:04 a.m.
At 11:04 a.m., there were 39 virtual participants.
Old business (continued)
2026 Motorola renewal
Interim Dispatch Co-Director/Emergency Manager Steve Anderson reported that the current Motorola contract expires at the end of 2026 and recommended approval of the renewal.
Motion 2025-M-319
Motion by Koch, seconded by Lutz, to approve the Motorola Solutions renewal invoice for payment in the amount of $21,653.32, per the recommendation of Steve Anderson, Emergency Manager/Interim Dispatch Co-Director.
Motion carried.
Sheriff’s new hire request - Jessica Gordon
Sheriff Robinson presented a request to fill a vacant Road Patrol Deputy position and send the candidate to the Delta College police academy.
Motion 2025-M-320
Motion by Lutz, seconded by Koch, to approve Jessica Gordon to fill a vacant full-time Road Patrol Deputy position. Jessica has successfully completed the required background check, drug screening, psychological evaluation, and physical examination, and is scheduled to begin training at Delta College Police Academy on January 12, 2026, at Step One pay, $26.04 per hour. A grant application has been submitted on her behalf through the Public Safety Academy Assistance Program to help offset academy costs.
Motion carried.
Cost Allocation Plan (CAP) for 2025 - review and analysis
Dibble recommended revising how the Cost Allocation Plan is applied so that CAP revenues and expenses occur in the same year, acknowledging that CAP calculations cannot be completed until after the audit.
Motion 2025-M-321
Motion by Koch, seconded by Lutz, to approve the December 31, 2024 Cost Allocation Plan (CAP) prepared by MGT and presented November 24, 2025, and to approve collection of 2024 indirect costs for voted millages in fiscal year 2026. Total indirect costs will be the lesser of 2.5% of 2024 millage revenue or the calculated costs in the CAP.
Motion carried.
Motion 2025-M-322
Motion by Koch, seconded by Lutz, to approve the December 31, 2024 Cost Allocation Plan (CAP) prepared by MGT and presented November 24, 2025, and to approve collection of 2024 indirect costs for 911 Dispatch in fiscal year 2026. Total indirect costs will be the lesser of 2.5% of 2024 surcharge revenue or the calculated costs in the CAP.
Motion carried.
Review of all county millage rates
The Board discussed reviewing county millage rates to determine whether current amounts remain appropriate. No action was taken.
Review of 2026 budget
Dibble presented three 2026 budget scenarios, each differing in proposed allocations to the Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the Health Department.
The Board discussed the level of EDC funding, including whether to fully fund the EDC request or provide a reduced allocation. Tussey explained that increased travel costs relate to establishing a remote office to enhance business outreach and to attending grant seminars, and that a new staff member is planned to serve as Grant Administrator. The professional services line is for services provided by Anderson Tuckey.
The Board requested a draft budget for Monday’s public hearing showing an EDC allocation of $120,000.00 and a Health Department allocation of $430,000.00.
Correspondence and resolutions
None.
Commissioner liaison committee reports
Commissioner Koch
No report.
- Dispatch Authority Board
- Genesee Shiawassee Thumb Works
- Jail Planning Committee
- MI Renewable Energy Coalition (MREC)
- Recycling Advisory
- Local Units of Government
Commissioner Barrios
- County Road Commission Liaison
- Great Start Collaborative: Local food pantries are being promoted.
- Human Services Collaborative Council (HSCC)
- MAC Agricultural/Tourism Committee: The MAC newsletter included information on an upcoming webinar about student loan forgiveness for employees.
- Parks and Recreation Commission: A report on The Parcels is pending, and future naming of The Parcels is under discussion.
- Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative: Meets in January.
- Local Units of Government Activity Report: Barrios attended the Elkland Township and ACW Ambulance meeting; the Wisner Township meeting is scheduled for tonight.
Commissioner Bardwell
- Behavioral Health Systems Board: Meets Thursday.
- Caro DDA/TIFA: Meets tomorrow.
- Economic Development Corp/Brownfield Redevelopment: Meets tomorrow.
- MAC 7th District
- MAC Workers' Compensation Board
- MAC Finance Committee
- NACo Rural Action Caucus (RAC)
- Local Units of Government Activity Report
Commissioner Vaughan
No report.
- Board of Health
- County Planning Commission
- Economic Development Corp/Brownfield Redevelopment
- MAC Environmental Regulatory
- Mid?Michigan Mosquito Control Advisory Committee
- NACo - Energy, Environment & Land Use
- Parks and Recreation Commission
- Tuscola County Fair Board Liaison
- Local Units of Government Activity Report
Commissioner Lutz
No report.
- Board of Health
- Community Corrections Advisory Board
- Department of Human Services/Medical Care Facility Liaison
- Genesee Shiawassee Thumb Works
- Human Development Commission Board of Directors Liaison
- Jail Planning Committee
- Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
- MAC Judiciary Committee
- MEMS All Hazard
- Multi-County Recycling Committee
- Local Units of Government Activity Report
Other business
None.
At 12:11 p.m., there were 42 virtual participants.
Extended public comment
None.
Adjournment
Motion 2025-M-323
Motion by Koch, seconded by Barrios, to adjourn the meeting at 12:12 p.m.
Motion carried.
