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Mintues For The Tuscola County Board Of Commissioners Meeting
Russ Survance
Fri, 26 Dec 2025 10:30:10 EST
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Mintues For The Tuscola CountyBoard Of Commissioners Meeting
8:00 AM - Monday, December 22nd, 2025
H.H. Purdy Building Board Room, 125 W. Lincoln Street, Caro, MI 48723
Commissioner Vaughan called the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the County of Tuscola, Michigan, held at the H.H. Purdy Building Board Room, 125 W. Lincoln Street, Caro, MI 48723, on Monday, December 22nd, 2025, to order at 8:00 AM local time.
Prayer - Commissioner Lutz
Pledge of Allegiance - Commissioner Barrios
Roll Call - Clerk Fetting
Commissioners Present In-Person: Nancy Barrios, Thomas Bardwell, Kim Vaughan, Bill Lutz, Matt Koch
Commissioners Absent: None
Others Present In-Person: Clerk Jodi Fetting, Eean Lee, Erica Dibble, Steve Anderson, Mike Miller, Sheriff Ryan Robinson, Damian Wasik, Tyler Ray, Jim McLoskey, Billy Putman, Jen Putman, Isabella Putman, Suzy Rockwell, Jim Tussey, Alisha Proctor, Joe Greene, Amanda Ertman, Laura Boyke-Hawes, Carrie Tabar, Addison Putman, Shelly Lutz
Also Present Virtual: Tracy Violet, Mary Drier, Angie House, Bonnie Fackler, Cody Horton, Debbie Babich, Brent Dankert, Julie Matuszak, Karlee Romain, Kristy Sutherland, Linda Strasz, Mitch Davies, Pennie Rienas, Tim Green, Echo Torrez, Shannon Beach, Cindy Hughes, Jeff LeValley, Tom McLane, Shelly Lutz, Kyle Nordstrom, Sherry Billot, Matthew Sexton, Register Marianne Brandt, Treasurer Ashley Bennett, Ashley Gaudett, Connie Keinath, Kandi Teddy, Kristi Phipps, Steve Root, John Boggs, Larry Zapfe, Barry Lapp, Drain Commissioner Dara Hood, Chad Tumblin, Scienna Nieschultz, Olivia Chapin, Estee Bitzer, Heather Malloy, Jamie Nisidis, Jamie LeValley, Tanya Pisha, Krystaria Skakle, Dan Lisowksi, Cindy McKinney-Volz
At 8:06 a.m., there were a total of 33 participants attending the meeting virtually.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
2025-M-324
Motion by Matt Koch, seconded by Bill Lutz to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Carried.
ACTION ON PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES
2025-M-325
Motion by Matt Koch, seconded by Nancy Barrios to adopt the meeting minutes from the December 15, 2025 Regular meeting and the closed session minutes from December 15, 2025. Motion Carried.
BRIEF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
None
CONSENT AGENDA
None
NEW BUSINESS
1. Report from the Road Commission Regarding Implementation Steps and Budget Processing for the Project of Rumble Strips and Flashing Stop Signs
Commissioner Barrios reported that Road Commissioner Julie Matuszak respectfully declined to attend the meeting this morning due to work schedules. Commissioner Barrios will be attending their next meeting on December 31, 2025.
Commissioner Vaughan provided a statement regarding the oversight of the Board of Commissioners of the Road Commissioner Board.
Commissioner Vaughan would like to proceed forward to have language placed on the August 2026 ballot to have the Road Commissioners be appointed rather than elected.
Commissioner Koch is concerned about getting the six intersections safety measures addressed (2025-M-317).
Commissioner Barrios reported that the Road Commission Board had discussed mumble strips versus rumble strips. Also, the Road Commission Board discussed the shipping delay in the flashing stop signs and that distracted driving is a contributing factor to accidents.
Addison Putman provided a statement regarding installing safety measures at critical intersections.
1. Closed Session to be Held Under Section 8(1)© for Strategy and Negotiation Sessions Connected With the Negotiation of a Collective Bargaining Agreement
2025-M-326
Motion by Matt Koch, seconded by Bill Lutz that the Board of Commissioners meet in closed session under Section 8(1)© for strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement. The following individuals are allowed to attend this closed session: Jamie Nisidis of Braun Kendrick, Erica Dibble, Shelly Lutz, Eean Lee and Jodi Fetting at 8:37 a.m.
Yes: Nancy Barrios, Thomas Bardwell, Kim Vaughan, Bill Lutz, and Matt Koch
Motion Carried.
Recessed to Closed Session at 8:37 a.m.
Reconvened from Closed Session at 9:11 a.m.
Recessed to the Public Hearing at 9:13 a.m.
At 9:20 a.m., there were a total of 43 participants attending the meeting virtually.
Reconvened from the Public Hearing at 9:38 a.m.
1. 2026 Budget Public Hearing
Commissioner Lutz stated his preference would be to fund the Economic Development Commission (EDC) at $100,000.00 to be paid quarterly with a review later in the year to determine if the $20,000.00 would be needed. He stated other departments have had to cut so the EDC should have to cut as well.
Mr. Tussey stated that if other departments had to cut a certain percentage, then the EDC should as well but should not be asked to cut a higher percentage.
2025-M-327
Motion by Thomas Bardwell, seconded by Nancy Barrios to approve the 2026 Tuscola County Budget Version 1.5 as presented which includes the EDC funded at $120,000.00.
Yes: Nancy Barrios, Thomas Bardwell, and Kim Vaughan
No: Bill Lutz and Matt Koch
Motion Carried.
1. Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Budget Review
Jim Tussey, EDC Chair, provided comment during the Public Hearing requesting the EDC be fully funded.
1. Remonumentation Grant Renewal
Erica Dibble, Controller/Administrator, presented the grant renewal request.
2025-M-328
Motion by Matt Koch, seconded by Bill Lutz to approve the Survey & Remonumentation Grant Application per Michael Yates to survey 34 Corners in the amount of $62,543.00. Motion Carried.
1. Tuscola County Personnel Manual
Shelly Lutz, HR Director, stated the changes to the Personnel Manual were made due to recent legislation and to add Juneteenth as a County Holiday.
Clerk Fetting asked if a copy of the Personnel Manual with the recommended changes could be forwarded to all Elected Officials and Department Heads to review the changes that were made. Shelly Lutz stated that she would do that.
2025-M-329
Motion by Matt Koch, seconded by Nancy Barrios to approve that per the recommendation of the Human Resources Director that updates and changes to the Personnel manual be approved with an effective date of January 1, 2026. Motion Carried.
1. Council on Aging Appointment
Jodi Fetting, County Clerk, presented the request to fill the current vacancy.
2025-M-330
Motion by Matt Koch, seconded by Bill Lutz to appoint Jennifer Leitzel to the Council on Aging for a 1-year term beginning on January 1, 2026. Motion Carried.
1. 911 Dispatch Authority Board Appointment
Jodi Fetting, County Clerk, presented the request to fill the current vacancy at the recommendation of the Police Chief’s Association.
2025-M-331
Motion by Bill Lutz, seconded by Nancy Barrios to appoint Ryan Pierce to the 911 Dispatch Authority Board as the Police Chief Association Representative for a 2-year term effective January 1, 2026. Motion Carried.
1. Planning Commission Appointment
Jodi Fetting, County Clerk, presented the request to fill the current vacancy.
2025-M-332
Motion by Matt Koch, seconded by Bill Lutz to appoint Michael DuSute to the Tuscola County Planning Commission to a 3-year term effective January 1, 2026. Motion Carried.
OLD BUSINESS
None
CORRESPONDENCE/RESOLUTIONS
1. Ingham County Resolution #25-592
COMMISSIONER LIAISON COMMITTEE REPORTS
Bardwell
Behavioral Health Systems Board
Caro DDA/TIFA
Economic Development Corp/Brownfield Redevelopment
MAC 7th District
MAC Workers Comp Board
MAC Finance Committee
NACo Rural Action Caucus (RAC)
Local Units of Government Activity Report: The DNR reached out to Commissioner Bardwell regarding the application for the Amish Road. A meeting has been set for January 16, 2026, in which Commissioner Barrios will attend on behalf of Commissioner Bardwell as he has another meeting scheduled.
Barrios
County Road Commission Liaison (Report provided earlier during the meeting)
Great Start Collaborative
Human Services Collaborative Council (HSCC): The Lapeer County office is moving to a new location.
MAC Agricultural/Tourism Committee: The December meeting was cancelled.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Saginaw Bay Coastal Initiative: The December meeting was cancelled.
Local Units of Government Activity Report: The Tuscola County Medical Care Facility has completed their audit and they are hoping to have the walking trail behind the Facility open in the Spring. Commissioner Barrios participated in the webinar hosted by MAC regarding Opioids and Narcan.
Vaughan
Board of Health
County Planning Commission
Economic Development Corp/Brownfield Redevelopment
MAC Environmental Regulatory
Mid-Michigan Mosquito Control Advisory Committee
NACO-Energy, Environment & Land Use
Parks and Recreation Commission
Tuscola County Fair Board Liaison
No Report
Lutz
Board of Health
Community Corrections Advisory Board
Genesee Shiawassee Thumb Works
Jail Planning Committee
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
MAC Judiciary Committee
MEMS All Hazard
Multi-County Recycling Committee
Local Units of Government Activity Report: The new Emergency Care Center in the Village of Millington is planned to open in 2026.
Human Development Commission Board of Directors Liaison
Koch
Dispatch Authority Board
Genesee Shiawassee Thumb Works
Recycling Advisory
Jail Planning Committee
MI Renewable Energy Coalition (MREC)
Local Units of Government
No Report
OTHER BUSINESS AS NECESSARY
Controller/Administrator Dibble stated a special meeting may need to be called to complete budget clean-up for 2025. The Board would like to set that special meeting for December 29th, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. If the meeting is determined not to be needed, it can be cancelled.
EXTENDED PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ADJOURNMENT
2025-M-333
Motion by Matt Koch, seconded by Bill Lutz to adjourn the meeting at 10:06 a.m. Motion Carried.
Jodi Fetting
Tuscola County Clerk, MCCO
