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.
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.
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.
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.