Eaton County commissioners approved a new countywide grant policy that requires departments and elected offices to route grants, contracts and donations above $25,000 through a defined approval and budgeting process.

Under the policy, departments must identify eligible costs and the controller's office is authorized to implement procedures. Staff recommended collecting administrative fees for grants to cover internal service costs: the administration proposed a 15% de minimis rate consistent with common federal practice and emphasized those funds would support technology services, facilities and controller office work required to run grant programs.

Controller's staff said the county frequently spends staff time and infrastructure on grant administration without a consistent funding mechanism, and that a modest administrative fee would help pay for grant reporting, IT support and contract oversight. The policy also allows departments to request exceptions that would require board approval.

Commissioners approved the grant policy by voice vote. Several commissioners and staff said an eventual county grant-writer position might be funded from administrative proceeds to expand external funding prospects.