Session Highlights – February 23 From the Office of Commissioner Jay R. Drick

Public Safety & Infrastructure

  • Emergency Communications: Approved a 3% bond issue to fund the essential upgrades for county towers and radios.
  • EMS Services: Approved a request to adjust start times for EMS staff to optimize community coverage.
  • FOIA Appeal: Denied an appeal to ensure the protection of personal identifiers within crime scene records.
  • Labor Peace: Successfully approved 5 union contracts (Road Patrol, Courts, Jail, Sergeants, and Lieutenants) for the next 3 years, ensuring continued service stability.

Fiscal Responsibility & Pensions

  • MERS Debt Reduction: Approved a $12 million payment to MERS to lower the county’s unfunded costs.
  • Forensic Accounting: Authorized a search for a forensic accountant to identify further savings within the pension system.
  • Contract Negotiations: Rejected a 3.7% COLA increase for the jail food vendor, successfully negotiating a lower 1.4% rate.

Community Services & Transportation

  • LETS Transit: Approved a grant covering 95% of the LETS budget. Additionally, authorized the purchase of two new buses while retaining older units as spares to ensure reliability.
  • Public Health: Approved a SWOT grant for the Health Department.

Service & Recognition

  • Retirement: Presented a thank-you award to Cindy Arbanas in honor of her dedicated service to the county.

Representing the City of Howell and Marion Township Jay R. Drick, Commissioner

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