In a significant development on November 19th during a regular meeting, the Isabella County Board of Commissioners took a crucial step by approving an intent bond resolution for a massive $11 million project aimed at renovating the county building. This decision was reached with a vote of 5 yes votes to 1 no vote, setting in motion a series of events that will reshape the county's administrative infrastructure.

Transforming Isabella County's Administrative Hub

Background and Context

The county's administration building faced a major setback in 2023 when asbestos was discovered, forcing the departments to relocate. Most of them are now housed in a temporary administration building on Pickard Street. This led to the need for a comprehensive renovation project to bring all county services back to a central location.The notice of intent bond resolution for the $11 million county administration building renovation project doesn't lock the county into borrowing immediately. It simply sets the ceiling of the borrowing at $11 million, giving the county the flexibility to proceed based on public feedback and further deliberation.

Community Concerns and Deliberations

Commissioner Jerry Jalozynski, representing District 3, expressed his concerns about moving forward with the renovation project without more community input. He believes that more thought should be given to ensure that the project is truly in the best interest of the county and its residents.Commissioner Steve Swaney, representing District 6, also had reservations about the current building renovation plans. He emphasized the need to look ahead 30 years and consider a more hybrid approach to accommodate future growth. His stance highlights the importance of careful planning and long-term vision.Despite these concerns, the county is committed to moving forward with the renovation project. The adoption of the notice of intent bond resolution pledges the county's full faith and credit to pay the principal and interest of the bonds, ensuring the financial stability of the project.

Project Details and Costs

The Isabella County Administration Building Complex Renovation Project incorporates the costs of improving not only the County Administration Building but also potentially the existing sheriff's office and correctional facility. This includes a wide range of expenses such as design, acquisition, construction, reconstruction, improvement, repurposing, rehabilitating, furnishing, and equipping of the renovated and existing county facilities.To finance the project and ultimately discontinue renting temporary facilities, the county will need to borrow. An annual amount of $750,000 has been built into the general fund forecasted expenditures and zero-based budget to meet the anticipated bond payments.

Other Approved Agenda Items

In addition to the approval of the bond resolution, the board also approved several other important agenda items. These include letters to the Village of Lake Isabella and Wise Township providing 30-day notice of termination of public safety service agreements, as well as engagement letters with professional advisors for the renovation project.Other notable approvals include a motion to enter into a contract for Construction Management Services with Spence Brothers, a lease agreement amendment, and various grant agreements and lease renewals.

Next Steps and Information

The next regular meeting of the Isabella County Board of Commissioners is scheduled for 7 p.m. on December 17 at the Isabella County Commission on Aging Conference Room. For more information on the board's initiatives and full committee meeting schedules, interested parties can click here.This $11 million renovation project holds the potential to transform Isabella County's administrative hub and provide a more efficient and centralized space for county services. It is a significant step forward for the county and its residents.