When putting together a proposal for funding from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe during its twice-annual 2% disbursements, Isabella County Central Dispatch and Emergency Management Director Chad Gittus found a way to request less money.
What was originally to be a request for more than $300,000 for a back-up dispatch radio console ended up being $114,100 after Gittus found other partners to help pay for new equipment at the backup dispatch center at Central Michigan University.
Isabella County Administrator Brian Smith explained the request at Tuesday’s regular meeting, with commissioners unanimously approving sending eight requests to the Tribe for funding during the spring disbursements of 2% of its slots revenue.
Gittus said in the project description that the current backup equipment is reaching the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
Smith told commissioners that Gittus partnered with CMU and the Isabella County Sheriff’s Office, which had funds leftover from the radio tower grant, to get additional funding.
The existing system, which Gittus said is crucial for communication with first responders, emergency services and other departments, has become unsupported.
Replacing the equipment aims to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality communication during emergency operations and enhance overall service reliability, with Gittus noting that the county has secured $200,000 toward funding the project.
Commissioners approved the list of funding requests, which were completed by department heads who ranked the priority of each.
Other requests on the list included:
- $587,196 requested by the Isabella County Commission on Aging for programs and services.
- $52,065 requested by the Isabella County Trial Court for the adult recovery court program.
- $53,305 requested by Gittus for a command/control vehicle.
- $132,257.57 requested by the Material Recovery Facility for a roll off truck, to replace a current vehicle that has been in use since 1999 that, although still reliable, is beginning to rust, parts are difficult to find and repair costs exceed the value of the truck.
- $275,000 requested by the Isabella County Drain Commission for repair of the Weidman Mill Pond dam and lake level order update.
- $100,000 requested by Sheriff Michael Main to help fund a full body scanner that detects contraband because body cavity searches are illegel. Main also plans to apply for a grant from the county’s insurance carrier, the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority, for $50,000.
- $40,000 requested by the Humane Animal Treatment Society for animal shelter improvements including a cattery system that will help keep shelter felines healthier by eliminating the spread of infectious diseases, making it easier to adopt out cats more quickly.
