From the Tuesday, April 12 Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Meeting This was the Equalization Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners, required by State law to be held on a certain Tuesday in April each year.  Special orders of business included the 2022 Equalization Report, presented by Equalization Director Matt Hansen and Deputy Director Tom Scott. There were also two proclamations—one for National Limb Loss Awareness Month and one for National County Government Month. On the consent agenda, the Board approved an appointment to the Senior Millage Allocation Committee, a reappointment to the Board of Health, a contract with ERG Environmental Services for a previously-approved bid, a Local Road Agreement with Burlington Township to turn R Drive South and 9 1/2 Mile Road to gravel, and an amendment to the Road Department's State Trunkline Maintenance Contract with MDOT. Click here for the meeting agenda In new business, the Board approved, a contract amendment for Supplemental Senior Millage Funding for Senior Services, Inc. for the Handy Helper Program an amendment to the PA2 Alcohol Tax budget for Prevention Services for FY 2021-2022 a staffing allocation request for the Public Health Department a staffing allocation request for the Prosecuting Attorney's Office a staffing allocation request for the Information Technology Department Phase 4 of American Rescue Plan Act Appropriation a Road Department contract award for the Union City Culvert Project ballot language for the Veteran's Affairs millage renewal ballot language for a new County 911 Funding Millage

A message from Calhoun County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott Every year, the National Association of Counties designates April as National County Government Month. This year's theme, “Counties THRIVE" highlights six themes that illustrate how county services are important to our residents. The themes are, technology, health, readiness, infrastructure, vulnerable communities and economic opportunities. Calhoun County continues to implement key strategies and projects within each of these areas, and we change them as needed to meet the changing needs of our residents.   Just a few examples include: the Calhoun County Broadband initiative, led by our Task Force of key community members; the Public Health Department’s ongoing pandemic response; the County’s collaboration with the City of Battle Creek and managers and mayors from all four cities to plan for a consolidated Public Transit Authority and system; and all of the focused services the County’s Senior Services and Veterans Affairs Offices provide for individuals that may have specific vulnerabilities. The County has also increased our focus on economic opportunities for individuals, for neighborhoods and for businesses, through our Community Development Office, Treasurer’s Office and the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority.   The American Rescue Plan Act funding allocated to the County for 2021-2024 investments has definitely given us a one-time opportunity to help Calhoun County thrive in ways not otherwise possible following COVID-19 and its negative impacts.

Highlights from a few boards, committees, and events: On Monday, March 21 there was a Calhoun County Board of Public Health meeting. In an update about COVID-19, Health Officer Eric Pessell shared that virus transmission rates continue to decrease in our community and new CDC community levels were released, which measure hospitalization data. The COVID-19 data dashboard on the Public Health Department website provides the current community level in real time. On Friday, April 1, the Senior Millage Allocation Committee (SMAC) met, holding its meeting at the Burma Center in Springfield. An update on the Heritage Commons Relocation was given by Paulette Porter from CareWell Services, and discussion was held regarding a supplemental request for the Handy Helper program and various mini-grant requests.   On Thursday, April 7 the Broadband Task Force held its regular monthly meeting. The County has engaged national consultants CTC Technology and Energy to conduct a feasibility and cost study, and the Task Force learned about the project timeline. Additionally, it finalized project objectives. Next steps include CTC meeting with stakeholders and local Internet Service Providers and analyzing data about internet access in Calhoun from our recent resident survey and other sources.   A Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was held Thursday, April 7. In new business, the Commission discussed 2021 millage allocation reports and 2022 allocation requests. Program Manager Doug Ferrall also provided information about ongoing grants for the development of the Ott Biological Preserve and Kimball Pines parks, and janitorial and lawn maintenance contracts.

Update from the Calhoun County Road Department The 2022 construction season has begun, including the final year of the Emmett Township Local Road Project and federal aid projects on various roads.   Information was released about what work remains for the Emmett Township LRP, including a list of roads that will be resurfaced. The press release and an interactive map, as well as updates posted weekly, can be found on the project webpage, calhouncountymi.gov/emmett_township_construction_update/index.php. Additionally, information was released about two bridge projects that begin this week. The 11 Mile Bridge and 13 Mile Bridges over the St. Joseph River, in Burlington and Tekonsha Townships respectively, will be closed for a month for guardrail replacement, concrete repairs, and a new HMA surface. Click here for that press release.

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