Alpena County commissioners approve hiring additional maintenance worker, authorize contingency‑fund transfers for ice‑storm cleanup

The Alpena County Board of Commissioners on March 19 approved hiring an additional Building, Grounds & Maintenance employee and directed county officials to complete necessary line‑item transfers to cover the position, authorizing use of the Contingency Fund for ice‑storm cleanup if needed.

County Administrator Jesse Osmer told the board that three members of the Grounds and Maintenance crew were out of work because of illness or absence, with one employee partially returned, leaving the department understaffed and affecting cleanup of damaged trees and fallen limbs at the courthouse. The administrator requested approval to hire another individual to restore capacity.

Commissioner Bill LaHaie moved to approve the request; Commissioner Lucille Bray supported the motion. The board voted by roll call: LaHaie, Ludlow, Bray, Vice Chair Brenda Fournier and Todd Britton voted yes; there were no nay votes. Commissioners Bill Peterson, Travis Konarzewski and John Kozlowski were excused. The motion carried.

The board directed the Treasurer, County Clerk and the Administrator’s Office to complete any necessary line‑item adjustments and transfers to fund the hire and explicitly authorized use of the Contingency Fund line item for ice‑storm clean‑up assistance if needed. The action was recorded as Action Item #1 in the meeting minutes.

No public comment was recorded on the item. The board adjourned at 12:55 p.m.