Emmet County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Emmet County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
U-Haul commercial storage deferral relief
U-Haul International is asking the county for relief from a commercial storage tax deferral previously granted by resolution. How the board rules could affect county tax revenue from the commercial storage facilities.
FY2027 Community Corrections Grant Application
The state grant application is due June 1, so the board scheduled a May 14 meeting to approve it. This funding supports programs like Crossroads, electronic monitoring and pretrial supervision.
Conflict of interest and secondary employment policy
A new ethics policy governing outside jobs and conflicts of interest was up for consideration.
County building roof projects — Pellston Airport and Bay Bluffs
Bay Bluffs, the county's care facility, was seeking a new walk-in cooler and freezer through an RFP process.
Probate Court Child Care Budget
The Probate Court's 2091 child care budget was up for board action, funding care for children under court jurisdiction.
2025 County Audit Results
The February finance report showed the county stable, with revenues of $1.19 million and expenditures outpacing them as is normal before summer property tax collections.
State Budget Redlines Fair Capital Improvements
The state budget has been redlined, meaning no capital improvement funding next year for the fair. That could leave upgrade projects on the local dime.
2026 Fair Finances and Ticket Pricing
The fair made over $5,000 in 2025 and has a $300,000-$400,000 rainy day fund, but electrical upgrades loom. Grandstand ticket prices were locked in for the rodeo, monster trucks, and auto cross.
Grandstand Beverage Vendor vs. Beer Tent Sales
Joe Malec's pop, Gatorade, and water sales in the grandstands are cutting into beer tent revenue, though he donates about 5% of his sales back to the fair afterward.
Closed session on pending litigation
The board planned to meet behind closed doors to discuss pending litigation, as permitted under the Open Meetings Act.
Camp Petosega Staff Housing Rental
Parks are nearly fully staffed for summer at 19 of 21 positions, starting at $17.34 an hour, with a few hires starting in June.
Ticket sales pace
Only about 31% of concert tickets and 455 rodeo tickets have sold, with the board watching numbers after a promotional push.
Potential TIF financing for Intertown Road apartments
A resident raised concerns that the December-approved apartment project may seek $15 million+ in brownfield TIF reimbursement over 30 years — money that would divert property taxes away from fire, EMS, schools, and other services. She wants transparency in the planning process about public financing.
401a Plan Restatement
The county's pension plan document hasn't been rewritten in ten years. A full restatement folds in all the amendments approved since then, with final approval expected July 29 before it goes to the county commissioners.
Pending Michigan retirement legislation
Bills in Lansing could restrict what public retirement boards can invest in, require meetings to be live-streamed, and change rules for rehired retirees. Nothing is expected to move until the end of the year.
Retirement plan fund replacement
The board swapped a chronically underperforming international stock fund for a better-scoring alternative in the county's 457b and 401a retirement plans. It's a housekeeping move meant to keep employees' retirement options healthy after a rocky quarter for markets.
Pending Airport RFPs
The Director was to update the committee on requests for proposals — the process of seeking contractor bids for airport work.
FY26 County Veterans Service Fund grant
The board approved the 2026 CVSF grant award, which helps fund the county veterans office's services. This keeps claims assistance, emergency grants, and outreach running for local veterans.
County burial benefit payout
The committee was scheduled to take up the county burial benefit payout, which helps cover burial costs for eligible veterans. This is a direct benefit for veterans' families during a difficult time.
Casino valuation and gaming Compact review
Board member Jeffrey Curth asked when the casino was last assessed for property tax purposes. The finance director will check with equalization and report back.
Winter 2026 Revenue Sharing Distribution
The board handed out its Winter 2026 casino revenue share — $123,069.36 after public safety and admin costs — to schools, the village, township, college, library and county services. The pot was down about $2,500 from last year, so every recipient got slightly less.
Winter tax payment in lieu of taxes (PILT)
The board approved paying $609,957.27 in winter 2025 tax bills to local taxing units after a 27.36% reduction — Petoskey Public Schools gets the biggest chunk at about $399,589. This is how casino-property tax obligations reach schools, the college, townships and other millages.
County technology services contract
A $139,860 renewal with Petoskey-based Empiric Solutions keeps 24/7 IT monitoring, backup and security support for county departments through February 2027.
Planning Commission Compensation
Commissioner Laughbaum added a last-minute discussion item about whether Planning Commission members should be paid for their service. What the board decides could change who's willing to serve.
Closed Session on Union Contract Negotiations
The board was slated to go behind closed doors to discuss strategy for negotiating union contracts covering county employees. Any resulting action would come back in open session.
Keep it Real social media contract
The board approved spending $19,600 for the year on the Keep it Real social media contract.
Passenger Facility Charge funds contract
A contract involving PFC funds — federal passenger fees airports use to fund improvements — was up for a motion to approve. It affects how airport improvement projects get paid for.
2026 County Veterans Service Fund grant award
The board approved the 2026 CVSF grant award, which helps fund the county veterans office's services. This keeps claims assistance, emergency grants, and outreach running for local veterans.