Montcalm County public meetings in 2025
40 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
County Clerk
The Montcalm County Board of Canvassers will meet to conduct a Clarity Hearing. The body will review recall wording filed against two Maple Valley Township officials.
- Clarity Hearing regarding recall wording for Andi Knapp, Maple Valley Township Clerk
- Clarity Hearing regarding recall wording for Meg Booth, Maple Valley Township Treasurer
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners will discuss the 2026 budget review and distribution agreements for opioid settlement funds. The meeting includes a resolution to recognize the Montabella Varsity Football Team and a discussion on park rules.
- Opioid Settlement Funds Distribution Agreements
- 2026 Budget Review
- Resolution 2025-14 regarding Lake Stanton Dam
- Community Corrections FY2026 Grant Agreement
- Resolution 2025-15, Recognition of the Montabella Varsity Football Team
The commissioners authorized Chairman Carr to sign the Opioid Settlement Funds and Marijuana Agreements and to have related checks mailed. They approved the updated County Expenditure Policies, several consent‑agenda items, and a series of warrants totaling over $2.8 million. The board also formed a park‑ordinance committee, declined to reconsider a $125,000 funding request from the Montcalm Prevention Collaborative, and approved settlement of the Clayton Thomas lawsuit.
- Authorized Chairman Carr to sign opioid settlement funds and marijuana agreements (motion carried)
- Approved updated County Expenditure Policies and Procedures (motion carried)
- Approved warrant report numbers 11262025‑$1,044,318.85; 12042025‑$69,389.14; 12052025‑$815,939.37; 12112025‑$323,850.58; 12152025‑$583,074.93 (motion carried)
- Approved consent agenda items 8‑14, placing listed controller resolutions on file (motion carried)
- Formed park‑ordinance committee (4‑2 vote)
- Declined to reconsider Montcalm Prevention Collaborative funding request (consensus)
- Authorized settlement of Clayton Thomas v. County of Montcalm lawsuit, permitting Controller/Administrator to execute documents (6‑0 vote)
- Adjourned meeting at 5:03 p.m. (motion carried)
County Clerk
The Probate Judge, County Clerk, and Prosecuting Attorney are meeting to conduct interviews for the Montcalm County Treasurer position. The body expects to appoint a replacement for JoAnne Vukin, whose resignation is effective January 2, 2026.
- Interviews for Montcalm County Treasurer
- Appointment to replace JoAnne Vukin
County Clerk
The Montcalm County Election Commission will hold a special meeting on December 12, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. in the Board of Commissioners Room, 3rd Floor of the Administration Building, 211 W. Main St, Stanton, Michigan. The purpose is to appoint at least one individual to the Belvidere Township Board to reach a quorum so business can be conducted. The county will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities upon 14 days notice. Inquiries may be made by calling the Montcalm County Clerk’s Office at 989-831-7339.
- Appointment of at least one individual to the Belvidere Township Board to achieve a quorum
- Provision of auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities upon 14‑day notice
Materials Management Planning Committee
The Materials Management Planning Committee will review landfill and recycling reports from Republic Services and a designated planning agent, and provide a budget and grant update. It will receive updates on recycle sites, the fall household hazardous waste event, and signage. The committee will discuss the Michigan Recycle Coalition Master Recycle Program and hold a work group discussion.
- Recycle Sites Update
- Fall HHW Event Update
- Signage
- Michigan Recycle Coalition Master Recycle Program
- MMPC Work Group Discussion
The Materials Management Planning Committee approved its agenda and the September 25, 2025 minutes. It voted to hold a tire and electronics recycling event in Stanton on May 16, 2026, and a household hazardous waste event on June 13 or June 27, 2026 (location to be determined). The committee also set its meeting schedule to bi‑monthly on the fourth Thursday of odd months, with the next meeting on January 22, 2026, and adjourned at 2:59 p.m.
- Approved agenda (motion carried)
- Approved September 25, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
- Scheduled tire and electronics event in Stanton on May 16, 2026 (motion carried)
- Scheduled household hazardous waste event for June 13 or June 27, 2026, location TBD (motion carried)
- Set meeting schedule to bi‑monthly on odd months, next meeting Jan 22, 2026 (motion carried)
- Adjourned meeting at 2:59 p.m. (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners will review a public hearing on an appeal to the County Construction Ordinance and consider a formal amendment to that ordinance. Additional items include a repeal of the County Parks Ordinance, a FY2026 funding request for opioid and marijuana programs, a proposal for Lake Stanton dam repair or replacement, and a Community Corrections FY2026 grant agreement.
- Amendment of the County Construction Ordinance (public hearing)
- Repeal of the County Parks Ordinance
- FY2026 Opioid and Marijuana Funding Request (Opioid Task Force Committee)
- Lake Stanton Dam Repair/Replacement (Drain Commissioner Todd Sattler)
- Community Corrections FY2026 Grant Agreement
The commissioners adopted Resolution 2025-14, allowing the Drain Commissioner to spend over $10,000 annually for Lake Stanton Dam maintenance, hire consultants, and seek court approval if needed. They also approved FY2026 opioid and marijuana funding awards, reinstated a part‑time administrative aide in the County Clerk’s Office, and authorized several other items including a $250 variance fee refund and a $20,000 food‑card purchase for veterans.
- Approved Resolution 2025-14 to authorize >$10,000 Lake Stanton Dam expenditures (4-2)
- Approved FY2026 Opioid and Marijuana Funding Awards as presented
- Reinstated part‑time Administrative Aide in County Clerk’s Office, 29 hrs/week, effective Jan 1 2026
- Refunded $250 variance application fee to the Hafer’s
- Approved Grant No. CPS‑2026‑1‑21 for FY2026 Community Corrections program
- Authorized purchase of 100 food cards up to $20,000 for veterans
- Approved warrant report numbers: 11132025 $1,368,603.32; 11202025 $332,286.51; 11242025 $505,394.60
- Approved consent agenda items 8‑14 (construction ordinance amendment, parks ordinance repeal, etc.)
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Collective Bargaining Committee is meeting to conduct an executive session. The primary purpose of the session is to address an FOP grievance.
- Executive Session regarding FOP Grievance
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct a public roll call and allow public comments. The primary business is an executive session regarding COAM and POAM negotiations.
- Executive session for COAM and POAM negotiations
- Public comments period
- Roll call of Collective Bargaining Committee members
Commissioners motioned to enter a closed session at 1:01 p.m., then motioned to exit the closed session at 2:58 p.m. A final motion to adjourn the meeting was made at 2:59 p.m. No public comments were offered.
- Entered closed session at 1:01 p.m.
- Exited closed session at 2:58 p.m.
- Adjourned meeting at 2:59 p.m.
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners will meet on November 10, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. to consider an ordinance to amend the County Construction Ordinance along with several grant and agreement requests and resolutions placed on file. Old business includes a review of the Parks Ordinance and a closed‑session performance review of the Controller. Committee reports, public comments, and correspondence items will also be addressed before adjournment.
- Ordinance to Amend County Construction Ordinance
- Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Agreement Request
- Community Corrections Treatment Agreement Request
- MDOT FY2026 Operating Assistance Program Agreement
- Resolution 2025-13, Establishing Legal Lake Level for Cowden Lake (place on file)
The Board approved a $72,900 contract with Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration to replace 35 PTAC units at the Health Department and Commission on Aging building and supply one unit for the CT scanner building. It authorized a community food‑share space in the Administrative Building, adopted amendments to the County Construction Ordinance, and approved the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and Community Corrections Treatment Agreement. The Board also repealed the County Parks Ordinance (vote 4‑2) and approved several warrant reports, consent‑agenda items and placed the collective bargaining minutes on file.
- Approved $72,900 PTAC replacement contract with Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration (motion carried)
- Approved location for community food‑share program in Administrative Building (motion carried)
- Approved amendment to Montcalm County Construction Ordinance (motion carried)
- Approved Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Agreement (motion carried)
- Approved Community Corrections Treatment Agreement (motion carried)
- Approved warrant report numbers: $2,606,068.22 (10/30/2025), $129,383.87 (11/06/2025), $587,504.69 (11/10/2025) (motion carried)
- Approved repeal of County Parks Ordinance (ayes: Alexander, Johnston, Petersen, Carr; nays: Mahar, Murray) (motion carried)
- Approved consent agenda items 7‑10 and placed on file (motion carried)
Opioid Committee
The Montcalm County Opioid Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of the County Administration Building, 211 W. Main Street, Stanton, MI. The purpose of the meeting is oversight of the county’s opioid funds. The agenda contains only the meeting notice and compliance information; no specific items are listed for decision.
The Opioid Task Force reviewed $746,991 in 2026 funding requests and agreed to limit yearly spending to protect future resources. It recommended specific opioid and marijuana allocations totaling $266,786 and $202,145 respectively. The committee will present these recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on November 24, 2025. Kate Behrenwald, Liz Braddock and Jim Dimitriou will present the overview.
- Recommended $40,000 opioid funding to 8th Circuit Adult Recovery Court
- Recommended $22,758 opioid funding to Corewell Health
- Recommended $41,454 opioid funding to Have Mercy
- Recommended $75,000 opioid funding to Montcalm Care Network
- Recommended $50,000 opioid and $15,000 marijuana funding to Randy’s House
- Recommended $68,512 opioid funding to Sheridan Community Hospital
- Recommended $34,000 opioid and $26,000 marijuana funding to Outreach 419/Sober Events
- Agreed to limit yearly opioid and marijuana spending to preserve future funds
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners' Collective Bargaining Committee will meet on October 27, 2025. The agenda includes roll call, public comment periods, and an executive session to discuss negotiations with COAM and POAM. No formal decisions are listed for this meeting.
- Roll Call
- Public Comments
- Executive Session – COAM & POAM Negotiations
- Additional Public Comments
The Board of Commissioners motioned to enter a closed session at 1:01 p.m., which was approved. Later, a motion to come out of the closed session at 2:50 p.m. was approved. The meeting was then adjourned at 2:50 p.m. No public comments were made and no vote tallies were recorded.
- Entered closed session at 1:01 p.m. (motion passed)
- Exited closed session at 2:50 p.m. (motion passed)
- Adjourned meeting at 2:50 p.m. (motion passed)
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners will review several reports and resolutions, including a resolution to release MDHHS opioid settlement funds. The meeting will also cover the park ordinance review, a medical examiner reappointment, and a vacation time payout request. Additional items include the 2025 apportionment report and a proposal to establish a legal lake level for Cowden Lake.
- Grand Traverse County Resolution 2025-88 to release MDHHS opioid settlement funds
- Park Ordinance Review (old business)
- Medical Examiner Reappointment Resolution
- 2025 Apportionment Report presented by Deb Ballard & Nicole Flowers
- Establish Legal Lake Level for Cowden Lake presented by Drain Commissioner Todd Sattler
The Board adopted Resolution 2025-13, establishing a legal lake level for Cowden Lake and authorizing up to $50,000 for related activities. It reappointed Dr. Paul Wagner as County Medical Examiner for a third four‑year term. A request to pay out Eric Smith’s unused vacation time was denied. The Board also approved the 2025 Apportionment Report, warrant payments, and several consent‑agenda items.
- Approved Resolution 2025-13 to establish a legal lake level for Cowden Lake and fund up to $50,000 (motion carried)
- Reappointed Dr. Paul Wagner as County Medical Examiner for a third 4‑year term (motion carried)
- Denied Eric Smith’s request for payout of unused vacation time (3‑2 vote: Ayes Mahar, Johnson, Carr; Nays Alexander, Johnston, Petersen)
- Approved the 2025 Apportionment Report as presented (motion carried)
- Approved warrant report numbers 10162025 ($349,456.49), 10232025 ($361,324.97), 10272025 ($462,536.59) (motion carried)
- Approved consent agenda items 6 through 11 (motion carried)
- Placed the October 14, 2025 Collective Bargaining minutes on file (motion carried)
- Approved the meeting agenda and the October 13, 2025 meeting minutes (motions carried)
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners will conduct roll call, hear public comments, and enter an executive session to discuss COAM and POAM collective bargaining negotiations. No formal decisions are listed; the session is for discussion of labor agreements.
- Roll Call
- Public Comments
- Executive Session – COAM & POAM Negotiations
- Additional Public Comments
The meeting consisted of motions to enter a closed session, to exit the closed session, and to adjourn. No public comments were offered. No vote tallies or approvals were recorded, so no substantive decisions were made.
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners will review several resolutions that oppose cuts to county revenue sharing. It will also consider work agreement requests for FY2026 EMPG and the Reliance Caregiver Respite Program, as well as a State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program request. An update on 2025 road projects will be presented by Rob Putnam of the Montcalm Road Commission.
- Resolution 2025-10: Opposing budget cuts to county revenue sharing
- FY2026 EMPG Work Agreement request
- Reliance Caregiver Respite Program Agreement request
- State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program request
- Rob Putnam (Montcalm Road Commission) update on 2025 projects
The commissioners authorized the purchase of a CT scanning machine and a pre‑built shed, limiting total cost to $75,000. They approved community advancement funding awards for Pine Township, the Village of Lakeview, and Crystal Township. Several grant agreements and an appointment to the Community Advancement Committee were also approved, and a FOIA appeal was denied.
- Approved purchase of CT scanning machine and pre‑built shed, cost capped at $75,000 (motion carried)
- Approved $10,000 award to Pine Township (4‑3 vote)
- Approved $15,000 awards to Village of Lakeview and Crystal Township (4‑3 vote)
- Approved FY26 LEMP Grant Agreement (motion carried)
- Approved $8,960 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant (motion carried)
- Approved Continuation of Reliance Funding for Caregiver Respite Program (motion carried)
- Approved appointment of Andi Knapp to Community Advancement Committee, term until 12/31/2027 (motion carried)
- Denied FOIA appeal filed by Christian Lethers (motion carried)
Community Advancement Committee
The Montcalm County Community Advancement Committee will discuss follow‑up on 2025 projects, review applications for the 2026 Community Advancement program, and consider filling a committee vacancy.
- Follow‑up on 2025 Projects
- Review of Community Advancement Applications for 2026
- Committee Vacancy
The Community Advancement Committee approved funding for Pine Township, the Village of Lakeview, Crystal Township DDA, and appointed a new township representative. Each grant was approved within the $40,000 budget allocated for 2026 projects. The meeting was adjourned and the next meeting scheduled for January 14, 2026.
- Approved $10,000 Pine Township emergency sirens (motion carried)
- Approved $15,000 Village of Lakeview sign and landscaping (motion carried, Darin Dood abstained)
- Approved $15,000 Crystal Township DDA electricity and cameras (motion carried, Sarah Dailey abstained)
- Appointed Andi Knapp as township/planning commission representative (motion carried)
- Approved agenda as presented (motion carried)
- Approved July 9, 2025 minutes as presented (motion carried)
- Adjourned meeting at 2:36 p.m. (motion carried)
- Scheduled next meeting for January 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. (motion carried)
Materials Management Planning Committee
The Materials Management Planning Committee will review reports on landfill operations, recycling sites, and grant funding. The group will also discuss an upcoming household hazardous waste event and approve minutes from the previous meeting.
- Review of Landfill and Recycling Reports
- MMP Grant Updates and EGLE Infrastructure Grant Update
- Recycle Sites Update
- MCC Electronics Event Update
- Household Hazardous Waste Event scheduled for October 18
The Materials Management Planning Committee approved the meeting agenda as presented and approved the July 24, 2025 minutes. The committee then adjourned the meeting at 3:13 p.m. No other motions were decided.
- Approved agenda (motion carried)
- Approved July 24, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
- Adjourned meeting at 3:13 p.m. (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners will meet in executive session to discuss COAM and POAM negotiations. If a quorum is present, the business will be considered by the full board at the next regular meeting.
- Executive session for COAM and POAM negotiations
- Roll call and public comments
- Meeting location: 211 W. Main Street, Stanton
Commissioners motioned to enter a closed session at 1:00 p.m., which was supported. They later motioned to come out of the closed session at 2:08 p.m., also with support. Finally, a motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:09 p.m. was made and supported.
- Motion to enter closed session at 1:00 p.m. (motioned, supported)
- Motion to exit closed session at 2:08 p.m. (motioned, supported)
- Motion to adjourn the meeting at 2:09 p.m. (motioned, supported)
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners will consider FY2025 budget amendments, a resolution opposing cuts to revenue sharing, and a request for a full‑time probation officer. The meeting also includes a consent agenda item to amend the county ORV ordinance and agreements with MDOT and a recycling site. Additional items are the reappointment of Dr. Wagner as medical examiner and a Parks Capital Improvement Fund request.
- FY2025 Budget Amendments
- Resolution 2025-15, Opposing Budget Cuts to Revenue Sharing
- Ordinance to Amend the Montcalm County ORV Ordinance
- MDOT Project Authorization Services Agreement
- Reappointment of Dr. Wagner, Medical Examiner
The board approved a resolution urging the state to reject the House’s FY2026 revenue‑sharing cuts and support the Senate’s proposal. It also approved the 2026 MSU Extension agreement, a full‑time substance‑abuse probation officer, a $25,000 transfer to the Parks Capital Improvement Fund, the reappointment of the county medical examiner through Dec. 31 2025, and the FY2025 budget adjustments.
- Adopted Resolution 2025‑11 urging rejection of House FY2026 revenue‑sharing cuts (motion carried)
- Approved 2026 Memorandum of Agreement with MSU Extension (motion carried)
- Approved appointment of full‑time Substance Abuse Probation Officer effective Oct 1 2025 (motion carried)
- Approved $25,000 transfer from General Fund to Parks Capital Improvement Fund (motion carried)
- Approved reappointment of Dr. Paul Wagner as Medical Examiner through Dec 31 2025 (motion carried)
- Approved FY2025 Budget Adjustments as submitted by the County Controller (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
The Board adopted a new fund‑balance policy setting the minimum unassigned reserve at 40%‑50% of the budget. It also approved several appointments, a modification to the prosecutor’s office, an ORV ordinance amendment, and other routine actions. All motions were carried without recorded vote counts.
- Updated Fund Balance Policy to maintain a 40%-50% unassigned fund balance (motion carried)
- Approved relocation of door frame and card swipe mechanism for Victim Rights Advocate office (motion carried)
- Appointed Sandra Cook to the Ionia/Montcalm Department of Health and Human Services Board, term expires 10/31/2028 (motion carried)
- Appointed Darlene Ringler to the Montcalm County Housing Commission Board, term expires 02/15/2026 (motion carried)
- Approved job description for new EMS Confidential Aide position (motion carried)
- Approved amendment to the Montcalm County ORV Ordinance (motion carried)
- Approved warrant report payments: $1,528,767.98 (08/28/2025), $249,221.41 (09/04/2025), $284,779.09 (09/08/2025) (motion carried)
- Directed Controller/Administrator to seek RFPs for Medical Examiner services and report results in October (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
The Committee of the Whole discussed candidates for the vacant District 4 Commissioner seat. A motion to recommend Jack Johnson for the position was introduced by Commissioner Mahar, seconded by Commissioner Petersen, and carried. No public comments were made. The meeting was adjourned at 3:18 p.m. after a motion carried.
- Recommend appointing Jack Johnson as District 4 Commissioner (motion carried)
- Adjourn meeting at 3:18 p.m. (motion carried)
- Record that no public comments were offered
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY2026 budget and vote on a consent agenda containing warrants, agreements, and resolutions. The meeting also includes correspondence and committee reports.
- Public Hearing on FY2026 Proposed Budget
- Consent agenda with warrants, agreements, and resolutions
- 2025-2026 BCBC Health Insurance Rates
- FY2026 AAAWM Service Partner Agreement
- 2025 Tax Rate Request
The Board appointed Jack Johnson as the District 4 Commissioner and elected Alexander as the new Chairman. It approved the agenda, the August 11 meeting minutes, and adopted the FY 2026 General Appropriations Act, establishing a total 6.6152‑mill levy. The Board also authorized participation in the Purdue/Sackler opioid settlement agreements.
- Appointed Jack Johnson as District 4 Commissioner (unanimous 6‑0)
- Elected Alexander as new Chairman of the Board
- Approved the meeting agenda (motion carried)
- Approved the August 11 meeting minutes (motion carried)
- Adopted Resolution 2025‑10 FY 2026 General Appropriations Act, setting a 6.6152‑mill levy (motion carried)
- Authorized entry into Purdue/Sackler opioid settlement agreements (motion carried)
- Suspended rules to move District 4 vacancy item to the top of the agenda (motion carried)
- Closed the public hearing on the FY 2026 budget (motion carried)
Opioid Committee
The Opioid Task Force decided to run an advertisement twice a month in September in the Daily News. The members voted to make no changes to the biannual progress report. They set the 2026 funding application release date for October 1 and the submission deadline for October 31. The committee scheduled its next meeting for November 4 and will present a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners on November 10.
- Approved running an ad twice a month in September in the Daily News
- Decided no changes to the biannual progress report
- Set application availability for October 1 and deadline for October 31
- Scheduled next meeting for November 4 at 8:00 a.m.
- Planned to make recommendation to Board of Commissioners on November 10
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners will discuss the 2025 Tax Rate Request and review the FY2026 Proposed Budget. The meeting also includes a work session on budget minutes and a presentation on child care funding.
- 2025 Tax Rate Request (L4029)
- FY2026 Proposed Budget
- FY2026 Child Care Funding Request
- AAAWM Funding & Business Agreements
- District 4 Commissioner Vacancy
The Board approved a $186,000 increase to the FY2025/2026 Child Care Fund budget and authorized signatures on the Older Americans Act FY2026 contract amendment and HIPAA agreement. It voted 2/3 of members to exempt the County from Public Act 152 for FY2026. The Board also approved an audit services contract up to $157,260 with Gabridge & Co., accepted Commissioner Scott Painter’s resignation, and set a public hearing for the FY2026 General Fund budget on August 25, 2025.
- Approved FY2025/2026 Child Care Fund budget, increasing request by $186,000 (motion carried)
- Authorized signatures on Older Americans Act FY2026 Contract Amendment and HIPAA business agreement (motion carried)
- Exempted County from Public Act 152 requirements for FY2026 by a 2/3 vote (motion carried)
- Approved audit services contract with Gabridge & Co. up to $157,260 for FY2025‑2027 (motion carried)
- Accepted Commissioner Scott Painter’s resignation effective July 31, 2025 (motion carried)
- Accepted FY2026 proposed General Fund budget and scheduled public hearing for August 25, 2025 (motion carried)
- Approved warrant report numbers: $138,689.06 (07/31/2025), $111,280.21 (08/07/2025), $559,985.68 (08/11/2025) (motion carried)
- Placed consent agenda items 6‑8 on file, including Homeland Security Grant Agreement and Regional Mutual Aid Agreement (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a change to Community Corrections Grant No. CPS-2025-1-20, raising its budget from $9,900 to $105,954. It also approved new appointments to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board. The Board voted 6‑1 to repeal the County Junk and Rubbish Ordinance of 1973. Additional actions included approving warrant reports, accepting a $23,082 dishwasher bid for the jail, and placing several controller items on the file.
- Approved increase of Community Corrections Grant to $105,954 (motion carried)
- Approved Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board appointments (motion carried)
- Repealed the County Junk and Rubbish Ordinance, 6‑1 vote
- Approved warrant reports totaling $1,024,743.16 (motion carried)
- Accepted Douglas Equipment bid of $23,082 for jail dishwasher (motion carried)
- Placed controller items (litigation settlement, grant agreements, reports) on file (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved the acquisition of a full-body CT scanner for the Medical Examiner, pending space details. It denied wage increase requests for the Crime Victim Coordinator and the Sheriff’s FOC Transport Deputy and jail nursing hours. Investigator wage increases were approved, and the Law Enforcement Fund requests were approved after determining they were not tie‑barred. The Board also decided not to collect a full millage for the upcoming budget year.
- Approved full-body CT scanner for Medical Examiner (pending space details)
- Denied Crime Victim Coordinator wage increase (union issue)
- Approved Investigator wage increases for all levels
- Denied FOC Transport Deputy request (Sheriff could not fund from Law Enforcement millage)
- Denied jail nursing hours increase (Sheriff could not fund from Law Enforcement millage)
- Approved Law Enforcement Fund requests (not tie‑barred)
- Decided not to collect a full millage for the budget year
- Motion to adjourn carried
Materials Management Planning Committee
The committee approved the FY2026 Materials Management Planning Committee budget as presented. It also approved the agenda, the May 29, 2025 minutes, and the June 26, 2025 work group notes. Additionally, the committee authorized a fall Household Hazardous Waste event in Stanton. The meeting was adjourned at 3:14 p.m.
- Approved agenda (motion carried)
- Approved May 29, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
- Approved June 26, 2025 work group notes (motion carried)
- Accepted proposed FY2026 budget (motion carried)
- Authorized fall Household Hazardous Waste event in Stanton (motion carried)
- Adjourned meeting at 3:14 p.m. (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
During the budget work session, the board approved the Emergency Services Fund request to hire a full‑time confidential administrative aide and to purchase four ambulance remounts. Several wage increase requests, including those for the Deputy Treasurer, Sheriff's staff, and the Medical Examiner investigators, were not approved. The board tentatively approved the Commission on Aging’s three van requests and the full body CT scanner for the Medical Examiner program, pending space allocation. The scheduled budget workshop for July 23 was cancelled.
- Approved hiring a full-time confidential administrative aide for Emergency Services Fund
- Approved purchase of four ambulance remounts for Emergency Services Fund
- Did not approve wage increase for Deputy Treasurer (Treasurer’s Office)
- Did not approve wage increases for Sheriff's Undersheriff, Jail Administrator, Administrative Assistant
- Tentatively approved part-time FOC Transport Deputy and jail nursing hour increase, to be funded from Law Enforcement Millage
- Did not approve Animal Control new vehicle request ($65,000)
- Tentatively approved Commission on Aging three van requests
- Approved full body CT scanner for Medical Examiner program (space allocation to be discussed)
Board of Commissioners
The Montcalm County Board approved several items, including the agenda, prior meeting minutes, and participation in the Region 6 Emergency Management Mutual Aid Agreement. It also approved the FY24 Homeland Security Grant Intergovernmental Agreement and a resolution authorizing entry into the Sandoz opioid settlement for a one‑time payment of $135,456.92. FY2025 budget adjustments, four warrant report payments, and consent‑agenda items 8‑10 were likewise approved.
- Approved agenda as presented (motion carried)
- Approved June 23, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
- Approved participation in Region 6 Emergency Management Mutual Aid Agreement (motion carried)
- Approved FY24 Intergovernmental Agreement with West Michigan Regional Medical Consortium for Homeland Security Grant (motion carried)
- Approved Resolution 2025‑06 authorizing participation in Sandoz Settlement ($135,456.92) (motion carried)
- Approved FY2025 Budget Adjustments (motion carried)
- Approved warrant report numbers: $437,781.50; $282,471.34; $346,648.60; $687,879.33 (motion carried)
- Approved consent agenda items 8‑10 and placed on file (motion carried)
Community Advancement Committee
The committee approved an amended agenda that added a seat replacement item. It approved the April 9, 2025 minutes as presented. The members approved specific changes to the Community Advancement Funding Application, including wording and cost fields. A motion to seek a replacement for Larry Hummel was carried, and the meeting was adjourned.
- Approved amended agenda adding seat replacement item (motion carried)
- Approved April 9, 2025 minutes as presented (motion carried)
- Approved changes to the Community Advancement Funding Application (motion carried)
- Approved seeking a replacement for Larry Hummel representing a township or planning commission member (motion carried)
- Adjourned meeting at 2:26 p.m. (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
The commissioners approved a variance allowing a one‑foot setback for a garage at 560 Richard Drive in Crystal. They also added an Enforcement Clerk position, appointed Charlie Mahar to a substance‑use oversight board, and approved several grant submissions and site‑hosting agreements. Additional actions included approving three warrant reports totaling $1,476,520.71 and authorizing a complaint to amend the Skinner’s Resort plat.
- Approved variance for 560 Richard Drive, one‑foot setback (5‑2 vote)
- Approved addition of one Enforcement Clerk at the Friend of the Court (motion carried)
- Approved appointment of Charlie Mahar to the Mid‑State Health Network Substance Use Disorder Oversight Policy Board and Christa Merritt as alternate (motion carried)
- Approved submission of FY24‑25 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Planning Grant (motion carried)
- Approved Site Hosting Agreements for recycling compactor units in multiple municipalities (motion carried)
- Approved warrant report numbers: $501,762.41, $141,849.82, $832,908.48 (motion carried)
- Approved complaint to amend Skinner’s Resort plat for Lots 9 & 10 (motion carried)
- Allowed Kevin Everingham to apply for the FY26 Community Corrections Grant (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
Commissioners approved the meeting agenda as presented. They also approved the minutes from the May 27, 2025 meeting. Both motions were carried. No other actions were decided at this meeting.
- Approved agenda (motion carried)
- Approved May 27, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
Materials Management Planning Committee
The Materials Management Planning Committee approved the meeting agenda, the March 27, 2025 minutes, and the April 24, 2025 work group notes. It also approved the Recycle Site Hosting Agreement (Attachment A). The meeting was then adjourned.
- Approved agenda as presented (motion carried)
- Approved March 27, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
- Approved April 24, 2025 work group notes (motion carried)
- Approved Recycle Site Hosting Agreement (attachment A) (motion carried)
- Adjourned meeting at 3:02 p.m. (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
The commissioners approved the Brownfield Plan for the residential redevelopment project at 9640 North Greenville Road. They also approved the County Animal Shelter’s use of the Pandemic Readiness Building for spay‑and‑neuter clinics and placed the ordinance to repeal the County Parks Ordinance on file. A committee of Commissioners Petersen, Mahar and Controller Taeter was formed to meet with the Pride 2025 organizers. The board approved three warrant report payments totaling $1,274,696.35 and adopted the consent agenda items.
- Approved agenda addition for Drain Commissioner Request (motion carried)
- Approved May 12, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
- Approved Brownfield Plan for 9640 N. Greenville Road residential redevelopment (motion carried)
- Approved Animal Shelter use of Pandemic Readiness Building for spay & neuter clinics (motion carried)
- Placed Ordinance to Repeal County Parks Ordinance on file (motion carried)
- Formed committee (Petersen, Mahar, Taeter) to meet with Pride 2025 organizers (Carr nay, others yea; motion carried)
- Approved warrant report numbers: $599,054.02, $317,550.71, $358,091.62 (motion carried)
- Approved consent agenda items 4‑13 and placed them on file (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
The commissioners approved the Brownfield Plan for the 9640 North Greenville Road site, allowing residential redevelopment. They also approved the animal shelter’s use of the Pandemic Readiness Building for spay‑and‑neuter clinics and placed the repeal of the County Parks Ordinance on file. Additional actions included creating a committee to meet with Pride 2025 organizers, approving three warrant reports, and moving several consent‑agenda items to the record.
- Approved Brownfield Plan for 9640 N. Greenville Road residential redevelopment (motion carried)
- Approved Animal Shelter’s use of Pandemic Readiness Building for spay & neuter clinics (motion carried)
- Placed repeal of Montcalm County Parks Ordinance on file (motion carried, Commissioner Alexander voted no)
- Created committee of Petersen, Mahar, and Taeter to meet with Pride 2025 organizers (motion carried, Commissioner Carr voted nay)
- Approved warrant report numbers: 05152025 $599,054.02; 05222025 $317,550.71; 05272025 $358,091.62 (motion carried)
- Approved consent agenda items 4‑13 and placed them on file (motion carried)
- Approved agenda with addition of Drain Commissioner Request (motion carried)
- Approved May 12, 2025 meeting minutes as written (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the April 28 meeting. It then adopted Resolution 2025‑03 urging the state to address the public mental‑health funding shortfall. Finally, the Board adopted Resolution 2025‑04 opposing the competitive procurement process for Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans.
- Approved meeting agenda (motion carried)
- Approved April 28, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
- Adopted Resolution 2025‑03 urging action on public mental‑health funding shortfall (motion carried)
- Adopted Resolution 2025‑04 opposing competitive procurement of Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (motion carried)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved and adopted Resolution 2025‑02, the 2025 County Equalization Report, setting the equalized value of real and personal taxable property at $4,338,568,480. It also approved a one‑year renewal of Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Betsy Hartley’s part‑time contract at $75 per hour, hired Weather Shield to replace three roof sections on the Public Safety Building for up to $199,214, accepted the 2024 County Audit Report, and authorized a $93,307 EGLE Materials Management Planning Grant and a $4,000 electronic recycling event contract.
- Adopted 2025 County Equalization Report (equalized value $4.34 B) – motion carried
- Approved L‑4024 Equalized Valuations – motion carried
- Renewed Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Betsy Hartley’s contract (part‑time, $75/hr, ≤100 hrs/mo) – motion carried
- Hired Weather Shield for Public Safety Building roof replacement (up to $199,214) – motion carried
- Accepted 2024 County Audit Report – motion carried
- Approved warrant report numbers totaling $882,724.62 – motion carried
- Authorized EGLE Materials Management Planning Grant ($93,307) – motion carried
- Authorized electronic recycling event contract with Valley City Recycling (up to $4,000) – motion carried
Board of Commissioners
The commissioners approved Amendment #1 to the Eureka Township and Crystal Township police contracts. They accepted a $12,400 asphalt bid to repave Camp Ford Lincoln. The board authorized four Community Advancement Reinvestment grants totaling $16,395. Additional motions approved warrant report numbers and a series of consent‑agenda items.
- Approved Amendment #1 to Eureka Township police contract (motion carried, all commissioners voted aye)
- Approved Amendment #1 to Crystal Township police contract (motion carried, all commissioners voted aye)
- Accepted Murray’s Asphalt bid for $12,400 to repave Camp Ford Lincoln (motion carried)
- Authorized Community Advancement Reinvestment grants: Winfield Township $5,000, White Pine District Library $5,000, Lakeview Area Museum $5,000, Crystal Township Historical Society $1,395 (motion carried, one nay vote)
- Approved warrant report numbers: 03272025 $229,332.89; 04032025 $215,314.44; 04102025 $585,872.82; 04142025 $1,486,047.19 (motion carried)
- Approved consent‑agenda items 7 through 17, placing each on file (motion carried)
- Placed County Treasurer information on file regarding Chief Deputy pay scale (motion carried)
- Recorded and accepted the $10,000 signing bonus receipt for tower lease (informational, no vote required)
Community Advancement Committee
The Community Advancement Committee approved its agenda and the February 12, 2025 minutes. It reviewed five grant applications and recommended four of them for funding, totaling $16,395. The recommendations will be sent to the Board of Commissioners on April 14, 2025. The committee noted a fund balance of $32,817.79 and discussed allocating up to 75% of that balance.
- Approved agenda as presented (motion carried)
- Approved February 12, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
- Recommended $1,395 to Crystal Historical Society (motion carried; Sarah Daily abstained)
- Recommended $5,000 to Lakeview Museum (motion carried; Darin Dood abstained)
- Recommended $5,000 to White Pine Library (motion carried; Brenda Taeter and Adam Petersen voted no)
- Recommended $5,000 to Winfield Township (motion carried)
Materials Management Planning Committee
The committee approved the meeting agenda (with the election of officers removed) and ratified the January 23 minutes and February 27 work‑group notes. It placed the January and February reports on file and approved the locations for two May recycling events. The members also accepted the amended site‑host agreement, which will be sent to legal and later require Board of Commissioners approval.
- Approved agenda as amended (Election of Officers removed) – motion carried
- Approved Jan 23 2025 minutes and Feb 27 2025 work‑group notes – motion carried
- Placed January and February reports on file – motion carried
- Approved May 17 tire & electronics event at 615 N. State St., Stanton – motion carried
- Approved May 31 household hazardous waste event at 9223 Airport Dr., Lakeview – motion carried
- Accepted amended site‑host agreement – motion carried
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a variance to the Montcalm County Construction Ordinance for 2167 Straight Tow Blvd, Crystal, MI, allowing an accessory dwelling unit above a garage (vote 4‑1). It also approved contracts for jail countertop replacement ($22,021.00), Commission on Aging flooring ($23,565.25), and the purchase of 14 Hamilton ventilators at $18,703.20 each. In addition, the FY2025 budget adjustments and amendments were adopted.
- Approved variance for 2167 Straight Tow Blvd, Crystal, MI (4-1)
- Accepted Leonardo’s Marble and Granite bid up to $22,021.00 for jail countertops (4-1)
- Contracted with Millard’s Furniture up to $23,565.25 for Commission on Aging flooring
- Authorized purchase of 14 Hamilton ventilators at $18,703.20 each using fund balance
- Approved FY2025 Budget Adjustments as presented
- Approved FY2025 Budget Amendments as presented
- Approved AAAWM FY2026 Continuation of Funding Request
- Approved Community Spay & Neuter grant agreement