Emmet County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Emmet County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Hazard Mitigation Plan awaiting FEMA
The county's Hazard Mitigation Plan has been approved locally and is now waiting on FEMA. FEMA approval keeps the county eligible for hazard mitigation grant funding.
County Emergency Operations Plan Updates
The county's Emergency Operations Plan is being updated, with new signature pages in development. The EOP spells out who does what during a disaster.
Active hazardous-materials site plan reviews
The committee reviews emergency response plans for facilities in the county that store hazardous materials. Home Depot and CCC plans are current, keeping first responders prepared for a chemical incident at those sites.
Operation Northern Exposure mass-casualty exercise
A major three-day exercise June 6–8 will simulate a Michigan National Guard C-130 aircraft crash, testing fire rescue, mass-casualty response and coordination among MABAS, HDNW, EGLE and EPA. It's the county's biggest readiness test of the year.
Seasonal staffing vacancies
The parks department has filled 18 of 21 seasonal positions at $17.34/hour, with most staff starting mid-May. A few openings remain if you're looking for summer work.
District Sanitary Code Enforcement Amendment
The Health Department of Northwest Michigan wants the four counties it serves to update the enforcement section of the district sanitary code to cite state law directly. Without the update, the Antrim County Prosecutor may decline to take failing-septic cases, meaning some landowners could keep refusing to fix failing systems.
Fairgrounds emergency and security planning
Camera towers, a first aid tent with AED, an incident command trailer and an EMS golf cart will be at the fair, and volunteers will get a briefing on the emergency plan before fair week.
Runway Friction Meter Purchase (RFP EC-03-2026 #13)
The airport wants a new continuous friction meter to measure runway and taxiway slipperiness during winter operations — a safety tool for snowy Pellston winters. Three bids came in, and staff recommend Halliday Technologies at about $67,600, saving roughly $27,000–$49,000 over the alternatives.
Sheriff Road Patrol Deputy Labor Agreement
A three-year contract with FOP road patrol deputies was up for approval, with 5%, 4% and 4% wage increases, retention pay and a 4% retirement match. It affects county payroll costs and sheriff's office staffing.
March snowstorm EOC response
The committee reviewed the Emergency Operations Center's limited operations during the March snowstorm. Lessons from that activation inform how the county handles future severe weather.
Sheriff's deputy recruitment incentives
The Sheriff's Office was slated to accept a $20,000 state grant to send a corrections officer to the police academy and a $1,500 grant for dive equipment — a lower-cost way to build up local law enforcement staffing.
Save a Life Day Naloxone Distribution
On September 24, a community walk will hand out free naloxone and offer overdose education, with help from Harbor Hall, Michigan State Police and other agencies.
SIM Mapping Priority Areas for Justice System Reform
A recent workshop with 32 participants identified four priorities: better mental-health screening before arraignment, law enforcement diversion options, a housing task force, and substance-use testing funding. These will shape how the county steers people away from jail and toward treatment.
Mechanical inspector staffing shortage
The county still hasn't filled its open mechanical inspector position. Two applicants lacked the required state mechanical licensing, and other jurisdictions across Michigan report the same problem — which can slow inspections for builders and homeowners.
Public safety distribution of casino revenue
14.5% of February's casino revenue — $66,596.50 — goes to local fire and law enforcement: Resort-Bear Creek Fire, a SANE deputy, a Sheriff gaming deputy, and Petoskey police services. This is the money that keeps those services funded.