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.
Conflict of interest and secondary employment policy
A new ethics policy governing outside jobs and conflicts of interest was up for consideration.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.