Area News Headlines
These news headlines brought to you by these fine sponsors:
Tuscola County Holds Public Hearing On 2026 Budget
Russ Survance
Fri, 26 Dec 2025 10:29:19 EST
 |
click on the picture to enlarge
|
The Tuscola County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on Monday, December 22nd, 2025, at 9:13 AM in the H.H. Purdy Building Board Room in Caro to review the proposed 2026 county budget.
Attendance
All four commissioners were present: Thomas Bardwell, Kim Vaughan, Bill Lutz, and Matt Koch. Commissioner Vaughan presided over the hearing. The meeting included numerous county officials and staff both in-person and virtually, with 43 total virtual participants by 9:20 AM.
Budget Discussion
The primary focus of the hearing was the 2026 county budget, with particular attention given to funding for the Economic Development Commission (EDC).
Economic Development Commission Funding
Jim Tussey, Board Chair of the EDC, addressed the commissioners to explain the commission's importance in retaining businesses in Tuscola County and its role in applying for grant opportunities. Tussey noted that all EDC board members serve as volunteers without per diem compensation.
Commissioner Bardwell provided historical context, noting that the loss of a grant writer several years ago significantly impacted the EDC's ability to secure grants.
Controller/Administrator Erica Dibble presented two budget versions for consideration:
Version 1.4: Funds the EDC at $100,000
Version 1.5: Funds the EDC at $120,000
Commissioner Vaughan expressed support for fully funding the EDC at their requested amount of $120,000.
Budget Shortfall Resolution
At the Board's request, Controller/Administrator Dibble outlined how the originally projected budget shortfall was resolved:
Reduced allocations to the 483 Fund and 242 Fund
Various elected officials and department heads provided cuts to line-items within their budgets
Clean-up measures were implemented in various line-items to reflect more accurate positions
Other Budget Items
Kristy Sutherland addressed the Senior Home Delivered Meals program, a new millage that will receive funds for the first time in 2025.
Controller/Administrator Dibble stated that her plan moving into 2027 is to continue meeting with department heads regarding their respective budgets.
Public Comment
No public comments were made during either the initial or additional public comment periods.
Adjournment
The public hearing adjourned at 9:37 AM.
---
Meeting minutes recorded by Clerk Jodi Fetting
