Mackinac County commissioners approved a fuel tank contract for the county airport, considered an employment contract for the county 9-1-1 coordinator, and received a favorable audit report for the county Thursday, June 11.

New Fuel Tanks Ready

for Airport

The bid for two new fuel tanks for the Mackinac County Airport was accepted by U.P Environmental Services May 21. The county commission approved the fuel tank contract presented during the Thursday, June 11 meeting. Installation is expected to be complete by the end of August, airport manager Paul Fullerton said.

The new tanks are doublewalled, made of fiberglass, equipped with monitoring systems, and capable of holding jet fuel. The ability to provide jet fuel will make the airport more accessible for some aircraft, especially to the Coast Guard, Mr. Fullerton said.

The tanks will cost $335,500, with 95% of the bill paid by the Federal Aviation Administration. An additional grant will cover a portion of the remaining bill, leaving $8,500 left to be paid.

"If we had to put the tanks in the ground with our own money, we wouldn't be able to sell enough fuel in 100 years to pay for it," Mr. Fullerton said.

County Examines 911 Coordinator Contract

The commission also mulled over the contract of 9-1-1 Coordinator Bryce Tracy. Mr. Tracy, a coordinator for five years, submitted a new contract to the commission for review. Since his employment began, Mr. Tracy has not received benefits such as paid time off or sick leave. The new contract corrects this, adding the benefits that most other county employees have.

The board agreed Mr. Tracy should have the benefits outlined in the new contract, but needs to review and edit the document with Mr. Tracy present. Further action was postponed until Monday, June 15, when the commission could meet with Mr. Tracy.

Patrol Car Sales

Still Under Review

Kelley Blue Book prices, as well as milage, must to be obtained before bids can be accepted for the sale of county patrol cars, the commission agreed. Commission Chair Dawn Nelson wanted to get the best prices possible for the patrol cars, saying the commission owes this to taxpayers. The St. Ignace Police Department and Schoolcraft County Sheriff's Department have expressed interest in purchasing several cars along with surplus police equipment. A timetable has not been set for when the vehicles will go on sale.

Eight new patrol cars have been ordered for Mackinac County. Three have already been received, although law enforcement equipment still needs to be installed in them.

County Commission

Passes Audit

Paul Bailey of the Stewart Beauvais and Whipple Public Accounting Firm presented his audit report to the county commission. Mr. Bailey found the commission's bookkeeping and funds in good order, noting the commission ended 2008 with a surplus of $527,071. He also noted that Mackinac County is in good financial shape compared to other coun ties of the same size.