Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Report

From the Thursday, Oct. 20 Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Meeting

At this Board of Commissioners meeting, the 2022 Property Tax Apportionment Report was presented by Matt Hansen, Equalization Director, and Tom Scott, Deputy Equalization Director. On the consent agenda was the financial statement report for September 2022. Visit the County website for the meeting's agenda and video recording.

In new business, the Board approved,

a Road Department bid award for mineral aggregate for next year’s construction season
a Road Department bid award for the organic additive used for winter maintenance in conjunction with road salt
contract amendments to award supplemental funding and change in scope for five Senior Millage programs: Fitness & Fun, Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center, Prescription Assistance, and Adult Day Care
a Tax-exempt Lease Purchase (TELP) financing proposal for energy saving improvements in county buildings
authorization to issue capital improvement bonds for the financing of 911 dispatch infrastructure and equipment, with 100% funding for the bond debt service to be covered by the CCCDA with voter-approved County 911 millage and other available revenue sources

After a closed session so Commissioners could, they approved 2022 Emergency Action Guidelines, as presented by Emergency Manager Lt Chris Young. Also, a new Off Road Vehicle Ordinance was tabled.

A message from Calhoun County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott

County's 'AA' Credit Rating Affirmed

Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings issued on Oct.18 a new ‘AA’ bond credit rating with Stable Outlook for the County’s upcoming Capital Improvement Bonds to renovate our Youth Center, and again affirmed the same ‘AA’/Stable Outlook rating on all of our outstanding long-term debt. S&P Global’s Rating Report, as in past years’ reports, highlights Calhoun County’s strong and proactive financial management, adequate General Fund and other unrestricted reserves, and a pattern of balancing our operating budgets each year for more than a decade. The report also notes cost-saving strategies such as the transition from defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution plans for new hires, and the issuance of Pension Obligation Bonds to pay down the associated unfunded liabilities.

This rating, second only to the top ‘AAA’ rating that very few local governments achieve, is very positive news, given current economic conditions and the fact that S&P Global continues to note certain socioeconomic metrics within Calhoun County, such as population growth and average household income, as rating constraints. This year they did look favorably on our growing property tax base, a diversifying employment base and the stability of our largest companies.

I am thankful for the leadership of our Board of Commissioners and countywide department heads and elected officials that make up what S&P Global considers “a proactive and forward-looking management team” that work together to help us get the best financing rates for capital projects, and save taxpayer dollars, by maintaining strong credit ratings.

Highlights from a few boards, committees, and events:

A Senior Millage Allocation Committee (SMAC) meeting was held on Friday, Oct. 7. At this meeting, the Committee heard an update about the Guardian/Representative Payee program, which works cooperatively with the courts. In new business, SMAC recommended for Board of Commissioner approval changes to the Dental Assistance program, Senior Fitness & Fun program, and Calhoun County Medical Care Facility contracts, as well as adjustments to the minimum service standards for the Senior Fitness & Fun program and the Minor Home Repair program. Mini-grants were approved for art classes for seniors at Heritage Commons and minor renovations for Forks Senior Center.

An internal Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee was held on Thursday, Oct. 13. The Committee shared take-aways from recent trainings that were completed by members; created subcommittees on training, policy review, and lunch and learns; and discussed plans for future actions to impact the workplace culture within Calhoun County government.

A Calhoun County Board of Public Health Meeting was held on Monday, Oct. 17. Sanitarian Nicholas Iszler gave a presentation on the Health Department’s “Vector Program” to monitor for negative impacts from mosquitos and other living things. In addition, Health Officer Eric Pessell gave updates on the ongoing national accreditation process. Manager Michelle Thorn reviewed reports on the Family Planning Program goals and achievements, approved by the Health Board , which also functions as the legally required Family Planning advisory council. The Board discussed 2023 meeting dates, re-appointment of board members, as well as FY19 and FY20/21 annual reports from the Public Health Department.

County Administration and the Board of Commissioners Budget Committee held 2023 budget hearings on Wednesday, Oct. 19. At these sessions, Judicial Administrators and elected officials explained their General Fund budget requests for next year, highlighting accomplishments and challenges within their offices. Additionally the Committee reviewed the separate Road Department’s draft 2023 budget. Finally, the group heard updates from County Administration on the overall budget-balancing status and the development of an upcoming recommendation to the Board of Commissioners for allocation of some of the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Questions or comments? Please contact our Communications Manager. If you were forwarded this email, sign up to receive future emails.