Board of Commissioners Breakdown
September 2023 |
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(L-R): Chair John Taylor, Vice Chair Pro Tem Jeff Heppler, and Commissioners Monteze Morales, Jen Strebs and Abigail Wheeler at a Board of Commissioners meeting. |
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PRIORITIZING TRANSFORMATIVE INITIATIVES FOR THE COUNTY
As the 2024 County budget continues to take shape, we as a Board are excited to prioritize transformational initiatives to positively impact our employees and our residents. These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to serving you, our valued community members.
We recognize that affordable and accessible childcare is not only a fundamental need for our workforce but also a vital factor in maintaining a thriving community. We also firmly believe that access to quality healthcare should not come with the burden of insurmountable debt. Through our collaborative efforts, we are making significant strides in addressing these issues and improving the lives of our community members.
As members of the Board of Commissioners, these are the initiatives that inspire us and drive us to serve. It is why we chose to run for office, to make a positive impact on the lives of those we represent. We understood that by working together, we could achieve far more than any one of us could on our own, and we have seen that vision come to life.
We have demonstrated that when we collaborate, when we prioritize the well-being of our community, we can achieve remarkable outcomes. Our progress is a testament to the collective effort of dedicated public servants, community leaders, and engaged citizens like you. We should all take immense pride in the positive changes we are bringing to our County. Your support, your ideas, and your commitment to our community are what make this transformation possible.
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SEPT. 5 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
- Approved a proclamation honoring Kathy Richter for 25 years of service in the Finance Department.
- Approved a proclamation recognizing Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 as “Mes de la Herencia Hispana,” known as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Received and discussed the 2024 Budget Recommendation from the Administrator/Controller.
- Approved 16 contracts with 11 community partners from the Senior Millage Year 4 budget in the amount of $1,873,033.
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SEPT. 19 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
- Set the annual meeting date and public hearing for the proposed 2024 budget for Oct. 3 at the regular Board of Commissioners meeting.
- Approved the creation of one full-time and three part-time positions as a result of Proposal 2, including an Election Specialist, Election Inspector, Election Inspector Chairperson, and Receiving Board to supplement the Elections Division in the Office of the Clerk/Register of Deeds.
- Approved 28 contracts to meet departmental needs for the Health & Community Services, Finance and IT departments, and the Sheriff’s Office.
- Approved the acceptance of the one-year Drug Treatment Court Fund of $225,000 from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation for the Drug Treatment Court Program.
- Discussed the Board’s priorities for the 2024 budget and allocated the remaining ARPA funds for transformational initiatives, such as medical debt relief.
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A Message From the Administrator |
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As we enter the final stretch of a successful budget season, I am grateful for the incredible team we have here at the County. The annual public hearing for the budget on Oct. 3 marks an important milestone in our fiscal planning process, and I encourage all residents to participate and share their valuable insights.
This year's budget development has been nothing short of exceptional. It's a testament to the dedication, hard work, and collaboration of every department and the Board of Commissioners. The teamwork and unity displayed during this process have truly been unprecedented, and it is a reflection of our commitment to serving our community to the best of our abilities.
In the past, our budgetary journey may have had its challenges, but we have come a long way. Today, I am proud to say that our employees are excited to come to work, and this is a direct result of strong leadership and a shared vision for our County's future. It's a collective effort, and I am grateful for the enthusiasm and dedication of each and every member of our team.
As we approach the public hearing and the finalization of our budget, I want to express my sincere appreciation for your continued support and engagement in our community. Your input is invaluable to us, and we look forward to another year of growth and progress.
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Around the County
Larry Provancher County ID Program |
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The Kalamazoo County Identification Card is a photo identification (ID) available to Kalamazoo County residents age 11 and older. The Kalamazoo County ID is intended to recognize all Kalamazoo County residents and enable them to connect with public safety, civic, and community services.
Without a form of identification, a person is not recognized as a member of the community and is
not afforded the same opportunities as other community members. Having a form of credible identification enables people to become fully participating members of the community.
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Benefits of the Program:
- Prove your identity to law enforcement.
- Pick up prescriptions from the pharmacy.
- Present additional identity credentials to the State.
- Prove your identity when using credit cards.
- Prove your identity for merchant transactions.
- Present an additional identity credential to open financial accounts.
- Cash checks at participating financial institutions.
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Kalamazoo County ID Program Mobile Unit Event
Wednesday, Sept. 27 | 2 – 4 PM
Kalamazoo Defender's Office
151 S. Rose St., Suite 200 (on the second floor), Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Cost: $10
Scholarship funds available!
To receive an ID card, you must be able to show proof of residence in Kalamazoo County and provide proof of identity.
Questions?
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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 Eli Fesler to the Construction Project Advisory Committee.
- Appointed Melody Woods to the Larry Provancher County ID Advisory Board.
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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