Board of Commissioners Breakdown
December 2023
2022-2023 Board Leadership (L-R): Vice Chair Pro Tempore Jeff Heppler, Vice Chair Tami Rey, and Chair John Taylor

REFLECTING ON 2023 WITH THE BOARD & ADMINISTRATION

 

Now that the last Board of Commissioners meeting of the year has come and gone, it is with great pride and a sense of accomplishment that we reflect on the remarkable strides made by Kalamazoo County Government in the past year. Our Board of Commissioners, in close collaboration with our dedicated Administrative Team, has undertaken a series of initiatives that have enriched our constituents' lives and solidified our commitment to making Kalamazoo County an even better place to live, work, and thrive.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY & EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING

 

One of our foremost achievements this year has been the adoption of the 2024 budget. Within this budget, we have implemented safety net programs to support our employees, such as the innovative Tri-Share Dependent Childcare program and the Emergency Assistance Fund. Furthermore, our partnership with the State of Michigan and RIP Medical Debt will allow us to alleviate the burden of medical debt for many of our county residents, providing much-needed relief.

FAIR COMPENSATION & EMPLOYEE HEALTH

 

In our unwavering dedication to our workforce, we have established policies to ensure that our employees are compensated competitively and fairly. Additionally, the creation of an employee health center underscores our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our county employees, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & REPRESENTATION

 

We have continued to engage with our community by appointing dedicated volunteers to various advisory bodies within the Board of Commissioners. This ensures that the voices and concerns of our constituents are heard and addressed in a meaningful way.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

 

To amplify our efforts in addressing climate change, we have taken the important step of hiring a Climate and Sustainability Coordinator. Their work will help us make significant progress in our county's climate action efforts, reducing our environmental impact and safeguarding our future.

JUSTICE CENTER & COMMEMORATION

 

The completion of the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center is a significant milestone, and we are proud to have renamed it after the first Black judge in Kalamazoo County. This symbolic gesture reflects our commitment to inclusivity and justice for all.

TRANSPARENCY & FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY

 

Improving transparency in our financial matters has been a top priority. We have enhanced how investment reports are received, and we now provide a monthly financial report for review, ensuring that our county's financial matters are accessible and comprehensible to all.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & INCLUSIVITY

 

We have welcomed and engaged with various communities, including the National Street Rod Association at the Expo Center and our veterans' community. The approval of Juneteenth as a county holiday further showcases our dedication to honoring our diverse history and culture.

SUPPORTING VITAL SERVICES

 

We have tirelessly approved numerous grant awards and contracts that strengthen the services we provide across the county, covering areas such as elections, health and community services, judicial/criminal justice, affordable housing, and recreation. These initiatives help ensure a higher quality of life for all our residents.

PROMOTING COLLABORATION

 

Lastly, we welcomed the Michigan Association of Counties annual conference to Kalamazoo, fostering collaboration with other counties to learn from each other and strengthen our collective efforts.

In summary, these accomplishments and many others demonstrate our dedication to creating a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking community in Kalamazoo County. As we close this chapter and look forward to the year ahead, let us remain committed to the values and principles that have guided us thus far. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future for all who call Kalamazoo County home.

 

Thank you for your unwavering support and tireless efforts throughout this year. We look forward to another year of progress, growth, and prosperity for our beloved County.

DEC. 5 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

    • Approved a resolution in support of the Michigan Humane Society’s drafted amendments to the anti-neglect statute MCL §§ 750.50 and 750.50b in the form of Senate Bills 657 and 658. If passed, the bills will implement a bond-or-forfeit process to animals seized in cruelty cases, defraying expenses that animal control agencies currently experience by allowing the recovery of costs from defendants for the seizure and disposition of animal victims.
      • Approved a Police Protection Agreement between the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office and the Charter Township of Pavilion, as well as an extension to the Police Protection Agreement with the Township of Oshtemo.
      • Approved a grant agreement with Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health for the 9th Circuit Court Problem-Solving Courts in the amount of $80,000 to assist participants with the costs of drug testing.
      • Approved individual proclamations honoring Dina Sutton and Kimberly Oakley for 25 years of service in the Office of the Administrator and Health & Community Services Department, respectively.

      DEC. 19 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

        • Approved an ordinance and resolution to dissolve the Kalamazoo County Metropolitan Planning Commission.
          • Approved an agreement with Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine for Medical Examiner Services, as well as a resolution to appoint the County Medical Examiner and Deputy County Medical Examiners.
          • Approved a proclamation calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of all civilians held hostage.
          • Approved a proclamation honoring Mattie Jordan-Woods following her retirement as Executive Director of the Northside Association for Community Development after 36 years of unwavering service.
          Around the County
          Opioid Settlement Fund Task Force

          Kalamazoo County is now accepting applications for the newly formed Opioid Settlement Fund Task Force. Established as an ad-hoc committee via a resolution, the task force will play a pivotal role in addressing the opioid epidemic in the community and ensuring the funds received from national lawsuits are strategically allocated for maximum impact.

           

          The Opioid Settlement Fund Task Force aims to include six community members, with representation from:

          • a mental health provider;
          • a prevention provider;
          • a treatment center provider;
          • a community organization; and
          • two individuals identifying as being in active recovery or addiction, or as family members with a loved one in active recovery or addiction.

          In addition to the task force, the County also recently released the results from the Opioid Community Needs Assessment, which provides more valuable insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by Kalamazoo County in addressing the opioid epidemic.

           

          Members of the task force will be charged with 11 essential questions, providing the Board of Commissioners with effective strategies to consider, and organizing comprehensive responses to the opioid epidemic.  Interested community members are encouraged to read the resolution before applying. Application deadline: Jan. 27

           

          Interviews will not be conducted for community membership placements; selections will be based solely on the submitted applications.

          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 Andrea McCubbin to the Kalamazoo County Fair Council.
          • Appointed Isaiah Williams to the Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority.
          • Appointed James Ayers to the Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority and the Board of Public Works. 
          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.
          Want to get involved with your local government in another way? Check out our current openings and apply today.
          Questions or comments? Please contact our Public Information Officer. If you were forwarded this email, sign up to receive future emails.
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          Kalamazoo County Government | 201 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo, Michigan, 49007


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