May 28, 2026 Committee Meetings

The Oceana County Committee Meetings held on May 28, 2026, included extensive discussions on several procurement and budget-related issues. Key topics included the preservation and potential land exchange involving the historic Red Barn property, with concerns about the high costs of stabilization and maintenance, estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the need for an entity to take stewardship. The committee also addressed the Crystal Valley Dam's significant repair or removal costs, estimated at $1.7 million, with discussions on seeking community input and potential funding sources, including grants and private donations. Additionally, the committee reviewed bids for preventative HVAC maintenance contracts for county buildings, noting three bids received and the previous contract cost of $19,467 over three years. Ambulance rate increases were proposed based on insurance reimbursement rates and CPI adjustments, pending contract review. The meeting also covered equalization reports highlighting taxable value increases due to a solar farm project and discussed the complexities of millage rates and tax levies. No immediate contract awards or motions were recorded, but action items included outreach to local townships for funding ideas and setting deadlines for decisions on dam repairs and barn preservation.