Washtenaw County Board of Commissioner's Working Session and Board Meeting May 6, 2026

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners held a working session and board meeting on May 6, 2026, with significant focus on procurement and budgetary matters related to animal control services and capital improvement projects. A detailed presentation was given regarding the contract with the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) for animal control services, which is set to expire at the end of 2027. The discussion highlighted the county's financial challenges in fully funding the contract, with a current annual cost of approximately $1.9 million and a deficit of about $500,000 annually. Commissioners debated the equitable distribution of costs among municipalities, the transparency of service costs, and potential options for restructuring the contract or service delivery. Additionally, the board reviewed a capital improvement borrowing plan to fund a new public health building, proposing an $18 million bond with a 20-year amortization and discussing associated risks and funding sources. The meeting also included a resolution to postpone a decision on the Arbor South brownfield redevelopment plan to allow for further due diligence. Several motions related to procurement were passed, including appointments and resolutions for millage rates, tenant agreements, and policy authorizations. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a work-from-home policy and recognition of retiring CFO Tina Gavelier for her service.