August 13, 2026 Ogemaw County Committee of the Whole Meeting

The Ogemaw County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on August 13, 2026, where significant discussions focused on law enforcement staffing and budget challenges. The sheriff highlighted rising costs and staffing shortages impacting the ability to maintain 24/7 road patrol coverage funded by the road patrol millage, proposing the hiring of two additional deputies to reduce overtime and improve officer safety. Commissioners debated the financial implications, noting the millage alone is insufficient to sustain full coverage without general fund support. The board also approved a secondary road patrol grant and discussed the jail administrator's role and budget oversight. Additionally, the board approved a 3% increase in appropriations for the District Health Department despite some opposition due to budget concerns. The meeting included approval of claims totaling over $915,000 and a motion to reissue the emergency manager contract with plans to issue an RFP. The board also approved extending a conditional offer for a new transit director position. Technical discussions addressed IT security upgrades related to court data sharing with Ross County. No final decisions were made on law enforcement staffing, but strategic planning was encouraged to address budget and coverage issues.