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"All this means is department heads can't replace someone without coming to us," stated Commissioner Norton Schramm.

The "freeze" took effect Mon., June 11 and will stay in place until the commissioners deem it fiscally appropriate to cancel it. The freeze will not apply to four requests to replace employees that were already in the work when the motion passed.

Commissioners approved posting for a contracted appraiser for no more than 18 hours per week for a 24-week period, and a full time electrical inspector. Employees in both positions are retiring. They also authorized the sheriff to fill a temporary part-time position for a marine safety and federal marshal transport officer.

However, Administrator John Males also reported the prosecutor needs to replace an assistant who is leaving.

Vice-Chairman Donald Hunt questioned whether now was the time to look at turning the inspector position into a part-time job given the reduction in the number of permits being issued this year.

Males said he was told a neighboring county is not interested in sharing an inspector because one person couldn't handle the job during peak times. Males said he is checking with other counties, but Sanilac has to have someone on the job.

In other business, the commissioners approved setting the summer tax levy at 4.0482 mills. For the past two years the state has mandated the summer tax levy gradually increase from 1/3 the total county general operating tax to the full five mills.

The commissioners briefly discussed how much the county is losing to the Headlee Amendment. The original levy of 5 mills would have brought in $1.3 million more than the $5.624 million from the four mills plus.

"It really hurts certain units of government and that was not intended," said Males.

"I'm in favor of at least putting it on (in November) so people would be aware," said Schramm, referring to a Headlee override proposal. "It would not cost extra to put it on (the ballot)," stated Schramm, who said he realized the economic climate is not favorable for a millage.

*They approved a $2,500 annual salary adjustment for Prosecutor James Young to compensate him for his building authority duties and increased corporate counsel responsibilities. The commissioners also voted to give a $150 longevity award to a clerk in the treasurer's office.

*They approved the purchase of a boat, motor and trailer for the Sheriff Department Marine Division not to exceed $25,360. A marine safety grant will cover nearly $25,000, the balance will come from the sale of the old boat.

*The board approved giving the 4-H Fair Board $1,000 to help pay for waste removal during the 4-H Fair.

*They approved a contract with the sheriff department and Noble Constructors LLC for security and escort services for wind turbines.