Emmet County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Emmet County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Camping Contracts and Permit Renewal
Camping contracts went out and are due August 1, with a growing waitlist. The county is reapplying for the camping permit.
Fairgrounds event funding and contracts
The board committed nearly $40,000 in contracts with Sanborn Entertainment for the grandstand speaker system and Travis Tritt concert production. Ticket sales — 955 concert and 751 rodeo so far — will help offset costs.
Alpena fairgrounds sale attempt raises corporate-buyout concerns
A large venue company almost bought the Alpena fairgrounds until the MAFE Board and fair advocates intervened. The state rep brought this forward so county boards know corporations are eyeing fairground land.
Seasonal staffing at county parks
County parks are hiring for the summer season at $17.34/hour starting wage, with a 50-cent-per-hour bonus for workers who stay through Labor Day. About 10 of 19 last year's seasonal staff are returning.
Community Service Impact Events Calendar
Volunteers completing community service hours will clean up Camp Petosega, NCMC trails, the Bear River and the Little Traverse Wheelway from April through July.
Maintenance staffing and succession
The maintenance crew is down two people during fair week, and the fair needs to find Art Shaw's eventual replacement as he retires within two years.
2026 Park Events Schedule
The county's parks calendar for 2026 spans year-round programming, from the February Ice Fishing Day at Camp Petosega to holiday events in December at the fairgrounds.
Sound system purchase
The board committed up to $13,522 for a new fairgrounds sound system, contingent on IT sign-off, with a possible extra pit-facing speaker adding cost.
Swimmer's itch follow-up
The Board followed up on swimmer's itch, a recurring concern for swimmers at county lakes and beaches.
Headlands Dark Sky Park status and tourism
The Headlands kept its international dark-sky designation with 100% lighting compliance and steady sky-quality readings, but staff are still managing headlight and noise spillover from the expanded parking lot and monitoring a proposed Enbridge Line 5 pipeline alternative that could cross park land.
Camp Petosega amenity improvements
Camper survey responses show strong demand for more full-hookup RV sites, relief from swimmer's itch at the beach, better showers, a splash pad, and a boat launch — but plenty of campers want the park to stay quiet and un-commercialized. Any upgrades could affect campground rates and the character campers love.
Market livestock barn improvements and scales funding
Residents questioned what work is being done on the livestock barn scales and how market check money is spent — a portion goes to Parks and Recreation rather than electrical upgrades. The market board will develop a plan, possibly using a generator as a short-term fix.
2026 Park Programming
The full 2026 programming schedule should be done before the February 3 board meeting. Highlights include a free kids' ice fishing day at Camp Petosega on February 14.
Modular home delivery access through Camp Petosega
A Botsford Lane couple needs a one-time route through county park property to deliver their modular home, because the normal road access would require moving power lines and crossing a creek. The county drafted a license agreement with strict insurance and cleanup terms to protect the park.
Fresnel lens loan to McGulpin Point Lighthouse
Emmet County has a chance to display the Gray's Reef 3½-order Fresnel lens — identical to McGulpin Point's original, lost around 1907 — on a ten-year Coast Guard loan. The county would pay to move the 1,000-pound lens from Charlevoix, with a donated base and a spot near the lighthouse entrance for every visitor to see.
Fairgrounds T-Barn Storm Damage
High winds over Thanksgiving weekend tore off steel roofing, vinyl siding, and trim on the Fairgrounds T-Barn. Staff is gathering contractor quotes for repairs.