Active Projects
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Emergency Operations Plan Development and Mass-Notification Readiness
Emergency Management · Public Safety
High Priority
About this project
The Conservation District lacks a clear Emergency Operations Plan, district-level mass-notification capability, and defined coordination with county emergency management. Recent incidents and media scrutiny have exposed these gaps, elevating preparedness, compliance, and operational continuity risk.
The opportunity
Michigan's EOP review mandate and two directly aligned federal grant opportunities—HSGP and EMPG FY2026—create strong urgency to act within the current fiscal cycle. With $20K already budgeted for emergency management and new leadership re-evaluating systems, conditions favor near-term planning and procurement.
Fire/EMS Mass Notification System Upgrade
Emergency Management · Public Safety
High Priority
About this project
Manistee County's Fire/EMS operations face documented gaps in mass-notification capability, exposing the county to critical communication failures during emergencies. Active procurement planning is underway, with the 911 Director leading efforts to address this high-urgency operational risk.
The opportunity
FY2026 grant funding through HSGP and EMPG is directly applicable to this project, and cooperative purchasing vehicles can accelerate procurement timelines. Acting within the current grant window strengthens emergency response readiness, reduces public safety liability, and aligns with the county's active budget cycle.
Securing Public Safety Radio Communications
Emergency Management · Public Safety
High Priority
About this project
The 911 Director is actively planning to procure encrypted radios to address critical gaps in communications security, with state-level security standards reinforcing the urgency. Unencrypted public safety communications expose operational data and responder coordination to interception risk, threatening mission continuity for Fire, EMS, and law enforcement.
The opportunity
An allocated IT equipment budget of $165K signals near-term procurement readiness, and cooperative contract vehicles can streamline acquisition within the current fiscal cycle. Federal emergency management grant funding — including HSGP and EMPG FY2026 — may offset costs, making this an ideal moment to close the communications security gap.
Web Accessibility & Digital Content Compliance
ADA Compliance · Digital Accessibility
High Priority
About this project
Manistee County faces a federal ADA mandate requiring WCAG 2.1 AA compliance across all public-facing digital content, creating significant legal exposure. Existing digital tools are in use but fall short of full compliance, leaving residents with disabilities underserved and the county vulnerable to enforcement action.
The opportunity
With active IT budget allocations and the $180K Misc. Maintenance Contracts line available, the county is positioned to close this compliance gap within the current fiscal cycle. Addressing WCAG 2.1 AA requirements now reduces legal risk, improves equitable public access, and aligns with documented strategic initiatives around digital services.
Fleet Safety and Liability Risk Reduction
Fleet Safety Management · Public Liability & Risk
High Priority
About this project
The county faces a high volume of fleet-involved accidents across law enforcement and Fire/EMS operations, resulting in a $375K court settlement and ongoing liability exposure. Without structured fleet safety controls, operational risk to staff, residents, and public funds remains elevated.
The opportunity
Existing IT and software budget allocations, combined with access to cooperative procurement contracts, provide a viable path to act within the current fiscal cycle. Addressing fleet safety now reduces liability, supports staff safety, and strengthens stewardship of public resources.
Sourcewell
Discuss this project →Endpoint & Credential Security Modernization
IT Modernization · Cybersecurity Compliance
High Priority
About this project
The county lacks confirmed enterprise password and endpoint management solutions, creating a measurable gap against state-level password standards. With 77% of the IT department's FY budget already consumed, unaddressed credential and device vulnerabilities pose growing compliance and operational risk.
The opportunity
HSGP and EMPG grant funding extends to cybersecurity infrastructure, offering a viable path to close gaps with limited local match required. Active IT modernization initiatives and a current technology replacement schedule make this an immediate priority aligned with the upcoming fiscal cycle.