Board of Commissioners Breakdown
July 2023 |
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Graphic depicting where we are in the budget process. |
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The 2024 Budget Season is Officially Here
In April, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners kicked off its 2024 budget. Following the schedule above, the Board of Commissioners recently participated in a facilitated priority-setting discussion in late July. After receiving direction on the Board's priorities for the new budget at the retreat, mainly focusing on employees, Administration will begin building out a recommended budget to propose to the Board in the upcoming months.
We understand the importance of fiscal responsibility in managing public funds. Through careful planning and prudent spending, we prioritize projects and programs that deliver the greatest value to our community. We actively work with community leaders, local businesses, and non-profit organizations to leverage resources and create synergies. Your hard-earned tax dollars are used wisely to maximize positive outcomes.
Every budget decision we make is centered on improving the quality of life for Kalamazoo County residents. From investing in essential infrastructure and public safety to supporting education and healthcare initiatives, we aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
July breezed by with lighter agendas, but this month was productive nonetheless for our Commissioners. Here are some highlights from the past month:
- Approved the Area Agency on Aging Region 3A's 2023-2025 Multi Year Plan FY 2024 Annual Implementation Plan after receiving a presentation on the 2023 Senior Needs Assessment.
- Approved the allocation of opioid settlement funding to support the creation of an Opioid Health Educator position to provide community-wide health education surrounding Opioid Addiction Prevention and evidence-based harm reduction strategies, as well as a Nurse position to provide expansion of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services that can be offered to the inmates within the County Jail.
- Authorized the Board Chair to sign all closing documents related to the purchase agreement between the County and Catalyst Development Co.
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A Message From the Administrator |
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We are thrilled to announce the launch of our revamped County American Rescue Plan Act webpage that provides easy access to detailed information about the allocation and utilization of ARPA funds. We encourage you to explore the page and stay informed about how these funds are being utilized to support and uplift our community.
We've also taken a significant step toward creating a greener and more sustainable future by appointing our inaugural Climate Sustainability Coordinator, Taylor Van Winkle. Over the past couple of weeks, Taylor has been featured in the news, underscoring the importance of this role and the positive change it will bring to our community.
Our commitment to serving you and our community remains steadfast as we continue to grow and evolve. Thank you for your ongoing support, engagement, and dedication to our shared vision. Together, we can create a brighter and better future for all.
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Around the County
From the Clerk's Office & County Youth Fair |
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Aug. 8, 2023 Special Election
Voters across Kalamazoo County will have a chance to vote in an Aug. 8 Special Election. Proposals featured on the Special Election ballot include the Gull Lake Community Schools Operating Millage Proposal and the Otsego Public Schools Operating Millage Proposal. View the proposals in detail here.
Voters can access the ballot by mail, in person early at their local Clerk’s office, and on Election Day at their polling location from 7 to 8 a.m.
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The Kalamazoo County Youth Fair & Family Festival, held at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground located at 2900 Lake St., is open Tuesday through Saturday, Aug. 8-12. Admission is $5 per vehicle Tuesday through Friday and $15 on Saturday.
Schedule at a Glance
Tuesday, Aug. 8
Animal shows (swine, rabbit, cavies & critters, sheep), still project displays, antique tractor display, and 4-H Horse Showmanship & English Performance.
Wednesday, Aug. 9
Animal shows (poultry, feeder calf, beef), still project displays, antique tractor display, and 4-H Horse Western Performance & Trail.
Thursday, Aug. 10
4-H Goat Show, still project displays, antique tractor display, 4-H Horse Jumping & Dressage, Enduro Obstacle Course (beef, sheep, dairy feeder calves, goats), and 4-H Style Show, Performance & Demonstration.
Friday, Aug. 11
4-H Rabbit Agility Show, still project displays, antique tractor display, and 4-H Horse Versatility & Gymkhana Classes. The 4-H Livestock Auction will begin at 1 p.m. Small animals will be auctioned first, followed by large animals.
Saturday, Aug. 12
Family festival, including an Inflatable Fun Zone & Climbing Wall, education stations, lots of great shows on our Kids' Entertainment Stage, performances and more!
Check out the complete schedule of events and entertainment for the entire week of Fair. The schedule will continue to be updated as we add additional activities up until the week of the Fair! For more information about the Kalamazoo County Youth Fair, please call 269-383-8778 or visit the County Fair webpage.
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Advisory Boards & Committees
We want to thank our residents for engaging with us as we continue our work on behalf of everyone who lives in this great community! This month, we:
- Appointed Matthew Bracey and Frank Renaldi to the Board of Public Works,
- Appointed Tony Lorentz to the Construction Project Advisory Committee, and
- Appointed JuLea Stolsky to the Fair Council.
We're grateful to have such an engaged community of residents as we continue working toward a brighter future. If you're interested in serving on an Advisory Board or Committee, view our current open positions here.
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Want to get involved with your local government in another way? Check out our current openings and apply today.
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