October 20, 2026 BOC - Finance, Audit, Budget Committee

The Macomb County Board of Commissioners Finance, Audit, and Budget Committee met on October 20, 2026, to review 2027 operating budgets and the capital improvement plan. Facilities and Operations proposed a budget nearly $3.5 million above its 2026 amended budget, citing utility costs, a $175,000 grounds-care increase, about $722,000 in personnel costs, and a $1.2 million increase for repairs and maintenance, including roof replacement and tuck-pointing. The department reported 22 capital projects underway. IT requested three new positions—cybersecurity manager, security compliance officer, and administrative assistant for purchasing and contract coordination—and described cybersecurity, software licensing, and contract-management needs. Members questioned rising IT maintenance costs and requested further detail; the budget reviews were received and filed by a 10–0 vote.

The proposed 2027 capital plan includes about $157 million in projects and roughly $351 million over five years, with about $245 million potentially requiring General Fund support. The presentation included a $20 million non-departmental capital outlay request, discussion of using fund balance and possible bond financing, and a $25 million grant toward the Veridian project. Members also heard an emergency bypass request for $750,000 related to deteriorated concrete and structural conditions at the administration plaza deck, including emergency shoring and related repairs; the committee voted after the presentation. A resident raised concerns about animal-welfare and licensing compliance at a Freedom Hill petting zoo; no related action was noted.