Isabella County Faces Long Road Ahead After Asbestos Scare

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News Summary

Isabella County is grappling with the closure of its administration building due to asbestos removal issues, prompting a proposed $11 million renovation bond.

Isabella County Faces Long Road Ahead After Asbestos Scare

Isabella County officials are finally considering a bold move after months spent dealing with the problematic issue of asbestos removal from their administration building. The building has been closed for over a year as officials work to resolve the significant health risks posed by potential asbestos exposure. With all operations stalled in this critical county hub, residents and employees alike have felt the impact of the closure.

A Proposed $11 Million Bond

The county commissioners are gearing up to vote next week on a proposed $11 million bond, intended for costly renovations aimed at finally addressing the aging infrastructure. County Administrator Nicole Frost assures the public that this financial commitment will not burden taxpayers. Instead, it will be funded through the general fund budget, utilizing the already established 6.61 mills in their operating budget that was recently renewed in August.

The annual payment on the bond would consist of $750,000 every year for the next 30 years. Should the board approve the notice of intent for the bond, it will be followed by a 45-day period during which residents can petition against the project if there is sufficient interest. If not enough opposition arises, the county may proceed with borrowing for the renovations without being legally obligated to do so.

Operational Impact and Relocated Services

The building’s closure arose from a serious health concern identified during standard HVAC maintenance, leading to a precautionary shutdown while air quality tests were conducted. As a result, many functions of the county government have been temporarily relocated to various facilities throughout Mount Pleasant. This includes the Isabella County Commission on Aging taking over offices for administration, community development, treasurer, drain commissioner, and register of deeds at 2200 S. Lincoln. The county clerk’s office has moved to the Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home at 2300 S. Lincoln, while the prosecuting attorney’s office is operating out of the Isabella County Trial Court facility at 300 N. Main.

Meanwhile, other departments like equalization, the Michigan State University Extension Office, parks and recreation, and veterans affairs are currently functioning remotely, with residents advised to contact them via phone.

The Waiting Game for Testing Results

County officials are eagerly awaiting the results from ongoing air quality tests requested by contractors. These tests are crucial to determining whether county employees can safely return to the main administration building or if additional remediation efforts will be necessary. The testing results are expected to be received shortly, indicating whether the building is fit for occupancy.

Challenges of Supply Chain Shortages

In the backdrop of these developments, local companies are grappling with disruptions in parts delivery caused by supply chain shortages. These delays are influencing not only material costs but also the availability of labor necessary for conducting the upcoming renovations. It adds another layer of complication amid an already challenging situation.

Leadership Changes Ahead

As discussions around the future of the administration building heat up, a leadership change is also on the horizon. Nicole Frost has announced she will be stepping down at the end of the year, paving the way for Brian Smith, selected from a competitive pool of seven candidates, to step into the role of county administrator.

The series of decisions concerning the building’s future, paired with the ongoing public health dilemma, creates a complex landscape for Isabella County residents. The approval of the renovation bond could mark a significant turning point in not only restoring vital government services but also ensuring the safety and health of all those who interact with the building daily.