Isabella County commissioners approved an update to the county’s 911 plan Tuesday, Oct. 6, after the state 911 committee found the county’s list of emergency agencies was not compliant with state law.
The change removes two agencies from the county’s official 911 plan, the Michigan Department of Motor Carrier and the Sherman Township Marshal.
“It is necessary to delete the Michigan Department of Motor Carrier from the list in Appendix 5 because it falls under the Michigan State Police and should not be listed as a separate agency,” Commissioner Tobin Hope said.
The Sherman Township Marshal was removed because the agency is no longer operating.
According to the staff report on the resolution, Chad Gittus, director of Central Dispatch and Emergency Management said the changes are a technical amendment involving participating public safety agencies. Under state law, the resolution states, the change is considered a minor amendment that can be made by resolution without a required public hearing.
The board also unanimously approved a new emergency management program that replaces a county policy adopted in 1992.
The revised program creates a countywide framework for preparing for, responding to and recovering from natural and human made disasters. The resolution says the program is intended to protect life, public health and safety, property, the environment, essential services and the continuity of government.
“The purpose of this resolution is to provide an effective county emergency management organization for mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery,” Commissioner Steve Swaney said.
County approves $1.47 million in invoices
County Administrator and Controller Brian Smith reviewed the September invoices with commissioners.
The commissioners approved three county invoices totaling $1,473,261.19. County invoices show where taxpayer money is going:
- Sept. 11 invoice list: $672,368.58
- Sept. 18 list totaled $413,493.41
- Sept. 25 list totaled $387,399.20.
The invoices included payments to Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!, legal services, property-related expenses and the Isabella County Sheriff’s Office.
Commissioners approve Alma lease
The board also swiftly approved a lease agreement involving the Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District.
Isabella County serves as the fiscal agent for Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!, according to their website, GLBMW is a workforce development organization that helps residents find jobs, receive job training and connect with employers.
The organization serves Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw counties and operates a service center in Alma.
The lease allows Michigan Works! to continue using space in Alma for its workforce development services, keeping a location available for people seeking employment, job training and other career services.
The agreement runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027.
