Emmet County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Emmet County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.