Delta County Board of Commissioners Meeting (6/2/2026): The Fun and the Mundane

(Illustrative Only)

Below is a summary of the discussions, ideas, and initiatives taking place throughout the county. You will find information on community activities such as farmers markets, local events, parks, fairs, and recreational opportunities, as well as important topics including budgets, audits, wages, training, infrastructure, and economic development.

Both the community-focused and administrative aspects of local government play an important role in maintaining a high quality of life and supporting long-term growth. As the county continues to evolve and pursue new opportunities, staying informed can help residents, businesses, and visitors better understand the direction of the community and the efforts being made to strengthen it for the future.

This is a community that continues to grow, adapt, and develop, so stay tuned for future updates and opportunities to get involved.

Summary of Reports and Actions

1. Administrator’s Report

• Farmers Markets & Local Events: Updates on opening dates and hours for the Gladstone, Rapid River, and Escanaba farmers markets, as well as the "Lunch on Ludington" events and the bookmobile schedule.

• Conference Attendance: The Administrator attended the annual Michigan County Administrator Conference, focusing on property tax reform bills and cybersecurity cost-saving strategies.

• Upcoming Training: Highlighted an upcoming Michigan State Extension midterm refresher for county commissioners on June 10th.

• County Parks: Announced that all county parks, including those with campgrounds (like Obie Fuller Park), are fully open to the general public.

• Action Taken: Motion passed to place the report on file.

2. Finance Committee Minutes (May 21, 2026)

• The bulk of the meeting's topics were deferred to be discussed under individual agenda items later in the meeting.

• Action Taken: Motion passed to place the minutes on file.

3. Personnel Committee Minutes (May 29, 2026)

• The committee met to review upcoming personnel policy updates.

• Action Taken: Motion passed to place the minutes on file.

4. Departmental Updates (Parks and Recreation)

• Pioneer Trail Park: New pavilion signage has been completed by the Gladstone School Shop. The dog run is officially open, and efforts are underway to secure a kayak launch and automated kiosk. Research is also being conducted into installing communication boards for non-verbal individuals.

• Obie Fuller Park: Three new lake sites and the new playground are open. Newly placed cabins are wired for electricity and already booked for the weekend.

• Action Taken: No formal vote required; information only.

5. Payment of the Bills

• Action Taken: Motion passed via roll-call vote to approve the grand total of bills amounting to $1,974,110.86.

6. MDOT Consent to Grade (Fairgrounds Easement)

• Discussion regarding a requested easement from MDOT near the Chamber of Commerce building corner for a turn radius expansion, valued at $2,400. Commissioners raised questions about communicating directly with county administration and requested clarification on an expired contract date.

• Action Taken: Motion passed to table the matter until the next meeting.

7. Request to Fill Positions

• Corrections Officer: Action Taken: Motion passed to ratify the sheriff's request to fill a vacancy due to a resignation.

• Dispatch Position: Action Taken: Motion passed to approve filling a current opening.

8. Board Appointment

• Action Taken: Motion passed to appoint Jill Johnson to the Pathways Board.

9. IT General Controls Audit Policies

• Review of recommended policies from the Fiscal Year 2024 audit, which were amended and approved by the IT committee.

• Action Taken: Motion passed to approve and adopt the IT general controls policies into Section 10 of the policy and procedure manual.

10. Single Specialized Regional Mental Health Authority

• Discussion surrounding Senator McBroom's proposed Senate bill to unify all six Community Mental Health Authorities (CMHAs) in the Upper Peninsula. A correction was noted regarding the restrictive use of opioid funding, stating it can potentially be used for inpatient consortiums.

• Action Taken: No voting required (information only); Commissioner Williams agreed to take the lead on contacting MAC for clarification.

11. Department Head Wage Adjustments

• The Finance Committee reviewed supervisory wage compression gaps.

  • Building & Zoning Director / Controller: Proposed closing a 10% subordinate wage gap incrementally.

  • Director of Maintenance & Housekeeping: Proposed adjustment based on specialized electrical, plumbing, and HVAC certifications saving the county contracting costs.

• Action Taken: Meeting transcript cuts off during the motion formulation for the Building and Zoning Director's salary.

Any discussion?

Yes, there was notable discussion surrounding:

1. The MDOT Easement: Commissioners questioned why MDOT bypassed county administration and went straight to the fairgrounds. There was also concern regarding an expiration date listed on the paperwork, leading to the item being tabled.

2. Opioid Fund Usage: Under the Mental Health report, it was debated whether regional county consortiums could legally leverage opioid settlement funds to establish inpatient psychiatric resources.

3. Wage Adjustments: Commissioners debated the exact wording and timeframe (Fiscal Year 2027 vs. 2028) of the Finance Committee's incremental 5% wage recommendations before the transcript cuts off.

All in favor?

For items 1 through 9 (excluding the tabled MDOT easement), motions were made, supported, and passed unanimously ("Aye") by the board. The bills were approved explicitly via a unanimous roll-call vote. Wage adjustments (Item 11) did not reach a final vote before the text concluded.