Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Report

From the Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023 Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Meeting

At tonight's Board of Commissioners meeting, there was a proclamation for Black History Month. On the consent agenda, Commissioners approved FY2022 Senior Millage Supplemental Funding for the hearing and Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) programs, as well as the Minor Home Repair program; a resolution honoring the Michigan Association of Counties on its 125th anniversary; and appointments to the County’s Broadband Task Force.

To view the agenda or meeting recording, visit the Agendas page of the website.

In new business, the Board approved,

an Inmate Food Service Contract Amendment
a petition to abandon portions of C Drive North and 13 Mile Road

A message from Calhoun County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott

At today's meeting, we're recognizing February as Black History Month with a proclamation. Calhoun County is working behind the scenes with our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee on ways to better providing a welcoming environment for all employees. So far our focus has been on employee surveys, training, education, and a plan for policy review. This strategy of highly valuing inclusion is essential for recruiting and retention, and above all keeping employees engaged and sure of their importance in the County’s mission and the services we provide.

There's much to be learned about Black History in our community. This includes events highlighting the legacy of Sojourner Truth, and landmarks in Battle Creek commemorating her contributions to American life, including the statue downtown and where she's buried in Oakhill Cemetery. Her connection to Battle Creek was acknowledged by Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist who visited recently and met with Black Leaders in our community. See his post on Twitter for a photo from the event.

We also celebrate this month the Michigan Association of Counties' (MAC) 125th anniversary. MAC is the oldest association representing local governments in Michigan and they work hard on our behalf to promote funding and policy priorities within State legislature. MAC also convenes annual conferences for commissioners, along with statewide county administrators’ meetings to provide legislative updates and facilitate the exchange of current issues among those in our positions. The association often joins forces with the Michigan Township Association, County Road Association and Michigan Municipal League to present united fronts on topics that impact the various forms of local government. We are grateful for the advocacy and connections that MAC affords Calhoun County Government and look forward to our relationship with them for hundreds more years!

On Friday, Feb. 3, a Senior Millage Allocation Committee meeting was held. In new business, the Committee approved Tom Hunsdorfer as Chair and Shirley Tuggle as Vice Chair, approved the extension of six contracts for one year, approved issuing an RFP for one-time Senior Strategic Projects, approved minimum service standards revisions for the Handy Helper and Ramps for Accessibility programs, approved a mini-grant for Lee Township to host a Tuesday Senior Social, approved supplemental funding for CareWell Services, and approved supplemental funding for Community Action's Minor Home Repair program.

A Veterans Affairs Committee meeting took place on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The committee reviewed nine applications to the Veterans Relief Fund, and approved five and tabled one for more information.

The Board of Commissioners participated in an all-day orientation on Thursday, Feb. 9, which included informational presentations by all elected officials—Courts, Treasurer, Clerk, Sheriff, Prosecutor, and Water Resources Commissioner—as well as County Administration. The goal is to familiarize new commissioners with how County government operates and provide updates about major projects and plans in the upcoming two years.

The Broadband Task Force met on Tuesday, Feb. 14 and discussed the Guidebook report from CTC Energy & Technology that recommends options for Calhoun County to expand internet access, affordability and effective usage. You can find the report on the County's Broadband website,calhouncountymi.gov/broadband. Additionally, the Task Force discussed the currently available federal grant opportunity, Realizing Opportunities with Broadband Infrastructure Networks (ROBIN), as well as a plan to educate the public about the federal Affordable Connectivity Program that reduces internet service and equipment costs for eligible county residents.

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