Update from Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott Thursday, August 6, 2020

Thank You for Voter Support of Senior Millage Renewal and New Parks Millage On behalf of County Administration I want to thank voters countywide for your support in Tuesday's Primary Election that resulted in continued funding for Senior Services and new funding for the County's Parks and parks owned by all of our other local municipalities. The leadership and staff within these two departments worked extremely hard to simply educate voters so that they understood what each millage means for our property taxes. As a result of the successful election results, Senior Services will continue to offer its 22 services to individuals age 60+, and Calhoun County Parks will be able to better maintain and improve the outdoor experience for our residents year after year. Stay tuned to these updates and County press releases for their progress.

Here is what else is going on in Calhoun County: On July 20, the Substance Use Disorder Oversight Policy Board  was convened virtually by Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (SWMBH), our designated 8-county regional coordinating agency for prevention and treatment services. The Board reviewed the status of the upcoming year's PA2 alcohol tax funding and discussed strategic planning. From Calhoun, Commissioners Kathy-Sue Vette and and Gary Tompkins participate on this Board. The Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance (MAEDA) Board met Tuesday, July 21. The Board discussed the status of our CEO search and since this meeting, board chair Matt Davis announced the selection of James Durian as MAEDA's new CEO.   Also on July 21, the Calhoun County Board of Public Health met virtually. The Board previewed with the County's Deputy Controller Megan Banning the Health Department's budget for the next fiscal year starting October 1. Deputy Health Officer Brigette Reichenbaugh gave an update about the increase in many clinic services in upcoming weeks, and Health Officer Eric Pessell provided an update on the ongoing COVID-19 response.  On July 28, the FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board met to wrap up some final items related to the 2020 Net Win allocation, including correspondence thanking the Board for the extra $5,000 allocations this year. The Board also accepted the 2019 financial audit, indicating an unqualified or clean opinion, and authorized payment to the audit firm. This was the last meeting of the FLRSB in 2020.  The Summit Pointe Audit/Finance Committee met on July 30, and the Board met August 4. At the Audit/Finance Committee, we reviewed monthly financial statements, certain financial policies and proposed contracts, which were ultimately approved at the August 4 Board meeting. That Board meeting also included policy amendments related to HR, the election of CISD Superintendent Dr. Terance Lunger as Board Secretary, and a closed session to discuss purchase of real property.  Also on July 30, the Native American Heritage Fund Board met to discuss the 2020 grant application process, which was delayed this year by the pandemic. The Board approved requests from 2019 grant awardees to extend their project timelines, after the pandemic. The application is now available for 2020 and includes the same eligibility criteria as previous years. To learn more about the NAHFB and see the application, visit nahfund.com. The County has begun our 2021 budget process with meetings this week with the internal budget committee, which includes courts administrators and elected officials, as well as the Board of Commissioners budget committee. Budget request instructions for 2021 will be sent to departments on Monday. This year's process is beginning on track for a balanced 2021 budget to be adopted by the Board of Commissioners on Thursday, Dec. 3, following a November presentation and the required public hearing. The budget projections reflect, as expected, reduced revenues due to COVID-19.

Calhoun County Board of Commissioners

At the Thursday, Aug. 6 Board of Commissioners meeting, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of Counties Steve Currie gave a presentation about the organization's work during the pandemic and current legislative priorities. The County's 2019 audit presentation took place, as well, by Nathan Balderman of Rehmann. There was also a proclamation for National Women's Suffrage Month, with participation from the local AAUW chapter.

In new business, the Board, Approved a 3-year renewal of our intergovernmental contract with Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health Approved the 2019 Act 51 Report for the Calhoun County Road Department Approved 2020 midyear budget amendments, most of which reflect changes in operations due to COVID-19 Approved June 2020 Financial Statements

Around the County

Update from the Road Department

Operations update: Cleanup continues after recent storms Road Department crews have patched potholes in Clarence, Lee and Emmett Townships Durpatchers are working in Marengo, Albion and Marshall Townships Boom mowing has taken place in Emmett, Marengo and Sheridan Townships Berm removal has taken place in Athens and Marengo Townships Chip seal begins this week in Fredonia and Marshall Townships Contract crews have completed pothole patching in Marengo and Marshall Townships, and are currently in Emmett Township A second round of countywide mowing and brine application will begin the third week of August It's easy to stay up-to-date on the Emmett Township Local Road Project. This week's update includes information about which roads in Emmett Township are completed and awaiting restoration, have the base course of asphalt paved and top course will be added soon, or have been pulverized/milled and in the process of being graded and compacted. See this week's update, and all updates, on the Calhoun County Road Department website.

A Reminder for Residents

Consumers Outage on August 9 There will an outage for Consumers customers at 2 a.m. on Sunday, August 9 for approximately 15 minutes. The back-up outage date is Monday, August 10 at the same time. The outage area covers parts of Calhoun County, specifically the City of Battle Creek and Emmett, Newton and Leroy Townships, from Golden Street to the North, 6 1/2 Mile Rd to the East, 47th Street to the West and H Drive S to the South. This affects approximately 6,348 customers.

COVID-19 Response Continues

Calhoun County's COVID-19 Response continues with the Joint Operations Center. Watch the video to learn more about what the JOC is, and where to find more information. Thank you to everyone who has helped to make Calhoun County's COVID-19 response successful.

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