COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners gave formal approval on Tuesday for the County Administrator’s office to accept sealed bids for the logging of the wooded area on land the county owns along Bater Road.
County Administrator Frank Walsh says the 168 acres of land owned by the county since 1975 consists of both tillable land and woods.
The Commissioners decided to accept bids after the County was approached by a resident who was interested in logging premium trees in the wooded area. The goal is to not have the property become clear cut.
The sealed bids will be received by the Administrator’s office until July 1. The Commissioners will decide after the bids are received if they want to move forward with the work.
The County has leased the property in the past for farming and hunting activities. Due to tax implications, the Commissioners have decided not to lease the land after 2025.
In other business, the Commissioners formally approved a committee to fill the Chief Public Defender position. Walsh says they have already made progress.
The Commissioners also formally approved a contract with Western Michigan University Pathology for Medical Examiner services for Branch County.
In addition, the Commissioners approved the Jail/Inmate Agreement with Macomb County.
Sheriff Fred Blankenship announced during the April 11 Commissioners meeting that an agreement to house up to 100 inmates from Macomb County was reached as construction work is being performed at the Macomb County Jail over the next couple of years.



Comments