Update from Kelli Scott for March 7
From the Board of Commissioners

The March 7 Board of Commissioners meeting included a presentation from our local Community Action agency. CEO Michelle Williamson shared information about their programs and services, which include lead abatement, minor home repairs and weatherization, foster grandparents program, educational services, food services and transportation.   Some of Community Action’s services are partially funded by the County’s senior millage.

In new business, the Board:

  • Approved a resolution to authorize the County Treasurer to issue delinquent tax anticipation notes to allow for 100% tax settlement to all local units of government
  • Approved the recommendation for State of Michigan County VA Training Reimbursement Program, which pays for our staff to get required training to maintain accreditation and provide excellent service to local veterans
  • Approved the 2019 Medical Marijuana Operation and Oversight Grant, funding education and outreach services through the Sheriff’s Office
  • Approved the 2018 Annual Road Mileage Certification required by the state in order for our Road Department to receive our proportionate funding
  • Approved MDOT Contract #19-5051, providing 100% federal and state funding for road resurfacing of Michigan Avenue between 22 ½ and 25 ½ Mile Rds. Between Marshall and Albion
  • Approved an assessor contract with Appraisals Plus Group, Inc., who assists our County Equalization Department in appraising certain parcels of property
  • Approved a new Season Weight Restriction Policy, information in the CCRD update below
Elected Officials and Department Heads

At a meeting for elected officials and department heads, a presentation was given about a new FOIA software that will make the process smoother for those who request information and for the County departments that retrieve documents. More information will be released about this in the coming weeks, including instructions for the public.

Sheriff Matt Saxton shared 2018 jail numbers. He said that the jail booked more than 9,700 inmates last year, and 6,750 of those were local. Others were boarded through contracts that we have with other law enforcement agencies. The jail averaged 600 inmates per day. It transported 5,000 inmates 285,000 total miles over the court of the year.

We learned from Treasurer Brian Wensauer that his office is busy with 2016 and 2017 tax collection and with the settlement process, which began March 1. He also reported that due to changes in strategy, investments are up 2.8%.

From Krista Trout-Edwards, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Land Bank, we heard about a new program through Chemical Bank that will make it easier to buy and renovate properties. Read the press release about this program .

Senior Services Manger Helen Guzzo shared that the Senior Health and Information Fair will take place Thursday, April 4 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Marshall Middle School Gymnasium. This event features over 90 vendors for seniors, as well as their families and caregivers. Learn more on Facebook.
Road Department Update

The Calhoun County Road Department is enacting seasonal weight restrictions at 7 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2019, to remain in effect until further notice. These restrictions are intended to preserve and protect local roads when they are most vulnerable from freeze-thaw cycles. During this time, trucks traveling on "restricted" roads must carry 35 percent lighter loads and travel at slower speeds. Read the press release .

In operations, the Road Department continues winter maintenance, especially with our persistent winter weather. Tree work continues by a contractor on F Drive N in Albion Township from 25 1/2 Mile to M99. CCRD crews are trimming trees on North Ave. from Halbert to Crandall. As weather allows, crews are patching potholes across the County. Residents can report specific potholes, or other road problems, on the CCRD website .
Public Hearing at the Next BOC Meeting

At 7 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2019 in the Council Chambers of the County Building, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the County’s proposed grant application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The grant application proposes to develop a trailhead on property located at the W ½ of the NW ¼ of Section 11, Albion Township.  

Another grant application will be voted on at this BOC meeting. The Parks and Recreation Program is also applying for a Recreation Passport Grant from the Michigan DNR. This grant is for a new entrance, parking lot, pavilion and picnicking amenities.
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