Van Buren County, MI

Board of Commissioners

General

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The Board of Commissioners will consider renewals for various county service agreements and contracts for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The meeting includes reviews of behavioral health, domestic violence, and conservation services.

• Intergovernmental Contract with Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (SWMBH)
• MSU Extension Memorandum of Agreement Renewal FY 2026-2027
• Domestic Violence Coalition Services Agreement Renewal FY 2026-2027
• Safe Harbor Services Agreement FY 2026-2027
• MDOT Master Agreement 2027-0158

The Board of Commissioners approved several annual service agreements for behavioral health, MSU Extension, and domestic violence services. They also authorized a master agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation for transit funding through 2031.

• Renewed Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health contract for 2027-2029 (Carried)
• Approved $162,871 MSU Extension Memorandum of Agreement for FY 2026-2027 (Carried)
• Approved $35,000 Domestic Violence Coalition services agreement for FY 2026-2027 (Carried)
• Approved $25,000 Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center funding agreement (Carried)
• Approved $100,000 Van Buren Conservation District Resource Recovery agreement (Carried)
• Approved $193,801 Office of the Public Defender master Roster Attorney Contract (Carried)
• Authorized signing of DHS-2091 form for FY2027 Child Care Fund (Carried)
• Approved MDOT Master Agreement 2027-0158 for FY 2027-2031 capital funding (Carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review various FY27 contracts and financial reports. The body is discussing a public hearing for a brownfield plan in the City of Bangor and a request to use county property for Haunted Harvest.

• Setting a public hearing for the Bella Point Development Brownfield Plan in the City of Bangor
• Request to use county property for Haunted Harvest Paw Paw DDA
• FY27 secure detention bed rental contracts with Allegan and Ottawa Counties
• Renewal of Rose Street Benefit Consulting Services Agreement
• 2026 Drain and Lake Level Assessments

The Committee of the Whole approved $7,236,840.13 in monthly claims and several youth advocacy and detention contracts for FY27. The board also authorized a $1.02M federal grant application for specialty courts and scheduled a public hearing for the Bella Point Development Brownfield Plan.

• Approved $7,236,840.13 in monthly claims
• Approved $1,025,750.00 federal grant application for Drug and Sobriety Treatment Courts
• Approved FY27 contracts for Safe Harbor ($80,000), Student Advocacy Michigan ($10,000), and Family Empowerment Services ($203,870)
• Approved FY27 contracts for Petersen Research Consultants ($19,400), MST Associates ($52,000), VBCCMH MST ($240,000), VBCCMH New Outlook ($126,500), and VBCCMH Family Advocate Services ($117,000)
• Approved FY27 bed rental agreements with Allegan and Ottawa Counties for youth lodging
• Approved 3-year contract renewal with Rose Street Advisors at $3,750 per month
• Scheduled Bella Point Development Brownfield Plan public hearing for October 27, 2026
• Approved new POLC bargaining unit for Animal Control and Sheriffs Office support staff

Committee of the Whole

The Van Buren County Committee of the Whole will discuss and potentially approve several intergovernmental contracts, budget adjustments, and a transit agreement. Items include renewals for behavioral health, MSU Extension, domestic violence services, and conservation district services, plus a public defender contract and a land bank grant amendment.

• Intergovernmental Contract - Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (SWMBH)
• MSU Extension Memorandum of Agreement Renewal FY 2026-2027
• Domestic Violence Coalition Services Agreement Renewal FY 2026-2027
• Amendment Two to State Land Bank Authority Grant Agreement (SLBA 00412) - Bergen Building Rehabilitation Project, Village of Decatur
• MDOT Master Agreement 2027-0158

The Committee of the Whole voted to recommend several contract renewals and agreements for approval at the next regular Board meeting, including a three-year intergovernmental contract with Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health, an MSU Extension MOU, and agreements with the Domestic Violence Coalition, Conservation District, Safe Harbor, and Public Defender roster attorneys. Expedited items approved for immediate Board action included appointments to the Kinexus/Workforce Development Board, an amendment to a State Land Bank grant increasing funding by $150,000, and the purchase of two used Sheriff's Office vehicles. The committee also approved a budget adjustment to maintain a balanced budget.

• Recommended 3-year SWMBH substance abuse contract renewal (motion carried)
• Recommended MSU Extension MOU renewal FY26-27 (motion carried)
• Recommended Domestic Violence Coalition agreement renewal FY26-27 (motion carried)
• Recommended Conservation District Resource Recovery agreement renewal FY26-27 (motion carried)
• Recommended Safe Harbor Services agreement FY26-27 (motion carried)
• Recommended Public Defender roster attorney master contract (motion carried)
• Approved expedited appointments to Kinexus/Workforce Development Board (motion carried)
• Approved expedited grant amendment increasing Bergen Building grant by $150,000 (motion carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will consider consent agenda items including a construction contract for the Hartford Kayak Launch, snow removal bids, Microsoft 365 licensing renewal, and a social work services agreement. Two expedited items—Kinexus Board appointments and Sheriff's Office vehicle purchases—will also be addressed. The meeting includes public comment periods and a possible closed session.

• Award of construction contract for Hartford Kayak Launch Development Project
• 2026-2027 snow removal bids
• Renewal of Microsoft 365 annual licensing
• 1st amended agreement for contract social work or family advocate services
• Sheriff's Office vehicle purchase and replacement (expedited)

The Board of Commissioners approved a $423,748 construction contract with Civil Construction Solutions, LLC for the Hartford Kayak Launch Development Project, funded by a state grant, township and conservation district matches, and parks millage. The board also approved a $150,000 increase to a state land bank grant for the Bergen Building in Decatur, bringing the maximum to $3,400,000, and approved $4,316,777.81 in monthly claims. Other actions included 2026-2027 snow removal bids at $65,600, a $144,840 Microsoft 365 licensing renewal, two used Sheriff's Office vehicles totaling $79,293, and three Kinexus Board appointments. All votes carried; Commissioner Leary was absent and excused.

• Approved $423,748 construction contract for Hartford Kayak Launch to Civil Construction Solutions, LLC (Carried)
• Approved Amendment Two to SLBA Grant SLBA-00412, raising Bergen Building grant from $3,250,000 to $3,400,000 (Carried)
• Approved August 2026 claims totaling $4,316,777.81 (Carried)
• Approved 2026-2027 snow removal bids at $65,600 for 14 county locations (Carried)
• Approved Microsoft 365 licensing renewal at $144,840, payable annually (Carried)
• Approved expedited purchase of two used Sheriff's vehicles totaling $79,293 (Carried)
• Approved First Amended Agreement for Parent Navigator program social work services (Carried)
• Approved appointments of Arnie Redsicker, Elizabeth Bernhard, and John Faul to Kinexus Board (Carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the final budget for fiscal year 2026/2027 and a dispatch phone system upgrade. Other items include grant applications for Friend of the Court and Veterans Services, and a lease for human services space.

• FY 2026/2027 Final Budget
• Dispatch Phone System Upgrade
• Lease of Human Services West Building Space to Van Buren Intermediate School District
• Michigan Access and Visitation (AV) Grant Application
• Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Grant Renewal FY 2026 - 2027

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners adopted the FY 2026-2027 General Fund Budget totaling $32,995,900 in revenues and expenditures, along with other fund expenditures of $39,356,375, and set property tax millages for the coming year. The Board also approved a settlement agreement with New Covert Generating and an agreement with Consumers Energy as recommended by counsel, contingent on signature by all other parties, following a closed session on pending litigation. Other actions included approving a two-year lease with the Van Buren Intermediate School District for county space in Hartford, a $523,991.99 dispatch phone system upgrade, a $32,583.00 courthouse fan coil unit contract, medical examiner appointments and removals, and two grant applications. All motions carried by voice vote; the closed session motion passed by roll call with all commissioners voting yes.

• Adopted FY 2026-2027 General Fund Budget: $32,995,900 revenues and expenditures; other fund expenditures $39,356,375 (Carried)
• Set 2026-2027 property tax millages including County Operating 4.3890, Ambulance 0.9273, Roads 0.9620 (Carried)
• Approved settlement agreement with New Covert Generating and agreement with Consumers Energy, contingent on signature by all other parties (Carried)
• Approved two-year lease with Van Buren Intermediate School District for 57418 County Road 681, Hartford, at $150,000 total base rent, Jan 1, 2027–Dec 31, 2028 (Carried)
• Awarded courthouse fan coil unit contract to Andy Eagan Co., not to exceed $32,583.00 (Carried)
• Approved purchase, installation, and 60-month support of Motorola VESTA Next system through INDIGITAL, not to exceed $523,991.99 (Carried)
• Approved appointments of Dr. Fernanda Da Silva Lameira and Dr. Abigail Alexander as Deputy Medical Examiners; removed Dr. Amanda Fisher-Hubbard and Dr. Nicolas Kostelecky (Carried)
• Approved submission of Michigan Access and Visitation Grant application ($5,250) and MVAA County Veteran Service Fund Grant application ($27,284.92) (Carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss various administrative, financial, and service items. Topics include construction contracts, snow removal bids, and several grant applications.

• Award of construction contract for the Hartford Kayak Launch Development Project
• 2026 - 2027 Snow Removal Bids
• Michigan Access and Visitation (AV) Grant Application
• Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Grant Renewal FY 2026 - 2027
• Renewal of Microsoft 365 Annual Licensing

The Committee of the Whole recommended approval of several contracts and expenditures for the next regular Board meeting, including a $423,748 construction contract for the Hartford Kayak Launch Development Project and a $65,600 snow removal contract. They also recommended approving monthly claims of $4,316,777.81, budget adjustments, and a $144,480 annual Microsoft 365 licensing renewal. Two expedited items were approved for immediate action: the Michigan Access and Visitation grant application and the MVAA grant submission of $27,285.

• Recommended $423,748 Hartford Kayak Launch contract to Civil Construction Solutions LLC
• Recommended $65,600 snow removal contract with VanderGalien LLC for 2026-2027
• Recommended payment of $4,316,777.81 in monthly claims
• Recommended budget adjustments to maintain balanced budget
• Recommended $144,480 annual Microsoft 365 licensing renewal
• Recommended amended Parent Navigator contract with VBC Community Mental Health
• Approved Michigan Access and Visitation grant application for FY2027
• Approved $27,285 MVAA grant submission for FY2026-27

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve routine consent agenda items and receive updates, including a memorandum of understanding with the Van Buren Intermediate School District for use of the fairgrounds tower, acquisition of parcels in the Village of Bloomingdale, and an expedited update on L-4029. The board will also consider the elected officials salary schedule and prosecutor-related items. Most items are consent agenda items not requiring discussion.

• MOU with Van Buren Intermediate School District for use of Van Buren County Fairgrounds Tower
• Acquisition of parcels in Village of Bloomingdale
• Elected Officials Salary Schedule
• Prosecutor - Assistant Prosecutors Early Hire
• Prosecutor - Victim Rights Grant Shortage

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners approved all agenda items, including $7,189,940.24 in July 2026 claims, a new cloud-based jail management system from CORE Technology, a revised 2026 tax rate request reflecting the renewed Conservation District millage, and several labor resolutions. All votes were unanimous with no roll call vote tallies recorded.

• Approved $7,189,940.24 in claims for July 2026
• Approved CORE Technology jail management system implementation ($238,900)
• Approved revised 2026 tax rate request (L-4029) including Conservation District millage
• Approved revised elected officials salary schedule effective Jan 1, 2027
• Approved early hiring of two assistant prosecutors for training overlap
• Approved $63,318 funding for victim advocate grant shortage
• Approved MOU with VBISD for fairgrounds tower use and maintenance
• Authorized transfer of tax-foreclosed parcels 626 and 626A to Village of Bloomingdale

Committee of the Whole

The Van Buren County Committee of the Whole will hear a State of the Court address from Chief Judge Kathleen Brickley, consider medical examiner appointments, and review the final FY 2026/2027 budget. They will also get updates on courthouse fan coil units, the L-4029 project, and a dispatch phone system upgrade. Public comment is limited to 4 minutes per speaker.

• State of the Court Address by Chief Judge Kathleen Brickley
• Medical Examiner Appointments
• Capital Improvement Plan - Courthouse Fan Coil Units
• FY 2026/2027 Final Budget
• Dispatch Phone System Upgrade

The Committee of the Whole voted to recommend approval of the final FY2026/27 budget and budget policies, a revised 2026 tax rate request, and several other items for action at the next regular Board meeting. It also recommended appointing two new deputy medical examiners and purchasing courthouse heating units and a new 911 phone system. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved final FY2026/27 budget and budget policies (motion carried)
• Approved revised 2026 tax rate request (L-4029) (motion carried)
• Approved appointment of Dr. Fernanda Da Silva and Dr. Abigail Alexander as deputy medical examiners (motion carried)
• Approved purchase of five wall heating units from Andy Eagan Company for the Courthouse (motion carried)
• Approved purchase of Motorola Vesta Next phone system through INDIGITAL (motion carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Van Buren County Committee of the Whole will discuss acquiring parcels in the Village of Bloomingdale, two agreements with the Van Buren Intermediate School District (fairgrounds tower use and Human Services West building lease), and an elected officials salary schedule. The agenda also includes routine items like claims approval, a monthly financial statement, an ARPA quarterly update, and a report on a jail management system.

• Acquisition of parcels in Village of Bloomingdale
• Memorandum of Understanding with VBISD for fairgrounds tower use
• Lease with VBISD for Human Services West building space
• Elected Officials Salary Schedule
• Prosecutor assistant early hire and victim rights grant shortage

The Committee of the Whole approved several items for action at the next regular Board meeting, including transferring two county-owned parcels to the Village of Bloomingdale for snow removal and buggy parking, and approving a lease with the Van Buren Intermediate School District for temporary space at the Human Services West building. They also approved a new jail management system from CORE Technology, a new salary schedule for elected officials, and additional funding for assistant prosecutors and victim advocate positions. All motions were carried unanimously.

• Approved transfer of parcels 626 and 626A to Village of Bloomingdale for public purpose (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with VBISD for use of Fairgrounds communications tower (unanimous)
• Approved 2-year lease with VBISD for Human Services West space (unanimous)
• Approved payment of claims totaling $7,189,940.24 (unanimous)
• Approved change to CORE Technology jail and report management system (unanimous)
• Approved new salary schedule for elected officials effective Jan 1, 2027 (unanimous)
• Approved $20,000 for early hire of assistant prosecutors (unanimous)
• Approved $63,318 to cover victim rights grant shortage (unanimous)

General

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners is holding a public hearing on the draft budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, presented by Finance Director Rebecca Grabemeyer. The meeting includes public comment periods, with a 4-minute limit per speaker, and can be attended in person or via Zoom.

• Public hearing on 2026-2027 County Budget draft
• Presented by Rebecca Grabemeyer, Finance Director
• Public comment limited to 4 minutes per speaker
• Meeting accessible via Zoom and telephone

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing for the 2026-2027 County Budget. Finance Director Becky Grabemeyer presented a brief overview of the draft budget, but no public comment was offered. No formal action was taken on the budget at this hearing.

• Approved agenda as presented (motion by Chappell, second by Patterson-Gladney)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:54 AM (motion by Chappell, second by Patterson-Gladney)

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners is meeting to handle routine administrative items, including approving minutes and hearing public comments. The only substantive item is a revised Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant for 2027, presented by the County Administrator. No other major decisions or discussions are listed.

• Revised MDHHS Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant 2027
• Approval of July 28, 2026 meeting minutes
• Public comment periods (4-minute limit per speaker)

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the Board Chair or designee to submit the MDHHS Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant contract for FY27, which provides $81,250 in reimbursement for court-appointed attorneys and social worker services. The board also approved the agenda and the July 28, 2026 meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included public comment and commissioner roundtable topics but no further actions.

• Approved agenda as presented (motion by Chappell, second by Patterson-Gladney)
• Approved July 28, 2026 meeting minutes (motion by Chappell, second by Patterson-Gladney)
• Approved Finance Resolution F45/8-11-2026 authorizing submission of MDHHS Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant contract for $81,250 (motion by Patterson-Gladney, second by Toth)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider the draft FY 2026-2027 budget and set a public hearing date. Also on the agenda are an expedited grant from MDHHS for quality legal representation and an amendment to a State Land Bank Authority grant for the Bergen Building rehabilitation in Decatur. Public comment periods are scheduled.

• Draft FY 2026-2027 budget and setting of public hearing
• MDHHS Quality Legal Representation Grant 2027 (expedited)
• Amendment One to State Land Bank Authority Grant Agreement for Bergen Building Rehabilitation Project, Village of Decatur (expedited)
• Road Commission monthly update

The Committee of the Whole received the FY 2026-2027 draft budget and scheduled a public hearing for August 11, 2026. The board also approved an expedited grant for legal representation and an increase in funding for the Bergen Building rehabilitation project.

• Set FY 2026-2027 Draft Budget public hearing for August 11, 2026 at 12:50 p.m. (Carried)
• Approved authorization for signature on the Quality Legal Representation Grant of $81,250 (Carried)
• Approved Amendment One to Grant Agreement SLBA 00412, increasing the Bergen Building rehabilitation project grant from $3 million to $3.25 million (Carried)
• Approved July 14, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting minutes (Carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will act on a consent agenda that includes the Bankson Lake Sewer Extension Project, acceptance of a Michigan Agricultural Preservation Program Grant, and several MDHHS grants for legal representation (2027). Two items are marked expedited: the MDHHS Quality Legal Representation Grant and an amendment to the State Land Bank Authority Grant for the Bergen Building Rehabilitation Project in Decatur. The meeting also includes public comment periods and a closed session.

• Bankson Lake Sewer Authority - Sewer Extension Project (consent)
• Michigan Agricultural Preservation Program Grant Agreement – Acceptance and Authorization (consent)
• MDHHS Quality Legal Representation Grant 2027 (expedited)
• Amendment One to State Land Bank Authority Grant Agreement (SLBA 00412) - Bergen Building Rehabilitation Project, Village of Decatur (expedited)
• MDHHS Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant 2027 (consent)

The Board of Commissioners approved over $7.2 million in claims for June 2026. They also authorized a sewer extension project in Porter Township and accepted grants for agricultural preservation and legal representation services.

• Approved $7,286,096.33 in claims for June 2026
• Approved Bond Contract for Bankson Lake Sewer Extension Project in Porter Township
• Accepted $312,600 MDARD grant for agricultural conservation easement at Druskovich Farms LLC
• Authorized submission of $81,250 MDHHS Child and Parent Legal Representation Grant for FY27
• Approved application for $81,250 MDHHS Quality Legal Representation Grant
• Approved amendment increasing State Land Bank Authority grant for Bergen Building rehabilitation to $3,250,000

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will consider appointing a director to the Van Buren Community Mental Health Board, approve a server refresh, and authorize accepting a Michigan Agricultural Preservation Program grant.

• Appointment to Van Buren Community Mental Health Board
• Server and Virtualization Refresh
• Michigan Agricultural Preservation Program Grant Agreement
• Mobile Radio Encryption
• Closed session on litigation involving Wayside Church

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners approved several administrative and financial items, including a $500,000 server and virtualization refresh, a SAMHSA grant application for the mental health court, and a $28,000.52 mobile radio encryption upgrade. They also approved appointments, proclamations, and grant amendments, and entered closed session for litigation. The meeting was largely routine with no major public opposition.

• Approved $500,000 for server and virtualization refresh (unanimous)
• Approved submission of SAMHSA grant application for mental health court (unanimous)
• Approved $28,000.52 for mobile radio encryption (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Michael Mosely to VBCMH Board (unanimous)
• Approved proclamation dedicating James and Gayle Crandall Pavilion (unanimous)
• Approved MDHHS amendments for CPLR and QLR grants (unanimous)
• Removed Michigan Agricultural Preservation Program grant agreement from agenda
• Entered closed session for litigation in Wayside Church v Van Buren County (unanimous)

Committee of the Whole

The Van Buren County Committee of the Whole will hear a Senior Services update and consider the Bankson Lake Sewer Extension Project, a Specialty Court substance abuse grant application, and acceptance of a Michigan Agricultural Preservation Program grant. Expedited items include mobile radio encryption and multiple MDHHS grant amendments for juvenile probation. Routine finance items and public comment periods are also on the agenda.

• Bankson Lake Sewer Authority - Bankson Lake Sewer Extension Project
• Specialty Court — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Grant Application (EXPEDITED)
• Michigan Agricultural Preservation Program Grant Agreement – Acceptance and Authorization (EXPEDITED)
• Mobile Radio Encryption (EXPEDITED)
• MDHHS CPLR Grant 2027 and amendments for QLR/CPLR 2026 (EXPEDITED)

The Committee of the Whole approved several items to be ratified at the next regular Board meeting, including a $400,000 annual grant application for the Mental Health Court, a $7,286,096.39 claims payment, and a $28,000.52 mobile radio encryption upgrade. The committee also approved a resolution to authorize the Bankson Lake Sewer Authority bond contract and accepted the monthly financial statement. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved resolution to authorize Cass County Sewage Disposal System bond contract for Bankson Lake Sewer Authority (unanimous)
• Approved expedited grant application to SAMHSA for Mental Health Court, $400,000/year for 5 years (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to accept Michigan Agricultural Preservation Program Grant Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved payment of travel expenditures (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to pay monthly claims of $7,286,096.39 (unanimous)
• Accepted monthly financial statement (unanimous)
• Approved expedited mobile radio encryption upgrade with Motorola Solutions, $28,000.52 (unanimous)
• Approved expedited amendments to Child & Parent Legal Representation Grant and Quality Legal Representation Grant (unanimous)

General

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will discuss and review the Facilities Master Plan, presented by County Administrator John Faul. No other substantive agenda items are scheduled; the remainder of the meeting is procedural.

• Facilities Master Plan Review presented by County Administrator John Faul (Buildings and Grounds)

The Board accepted the Facilities Master Plan Review report and approved moving forward with the process. An ad hoc committee will be formed to continue the work.

• Approved meeting agenda (Carried)
• Accepted Facilities Master Plan Review Report (Carried)
• Formed ad hoc committee including Commissioners Leary, DiStefano, and Doroh

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will meet to review administrative appointments, grant applications, and contract amendments. The agenda includes items related to housing rehabilitation, court administration, and employee health care savings.

• Award of contract for TPA services for MSHDA CDBG MI Neighborhood Homeowner Rehabilitation Program
• Specialty Court - State Court Administrative Office Grant Applications
• Appointment of Russell Lauderdale to the Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
• MERS Health Care Savings Amendment to remove all non-union employees
• Resolution appointing a HIPAA Privacy and Security Officer

The Board approved submitting grant applications to the State Court Administrative Office for continued funding of Drug, Family, Mental Health, and Sobriety Courts, totaling $517,581. They also awarded a $72,000 contract to Market One for third-party administrator services for a homeowner rehabilitation program, and approved the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan. All other agenda items, including claims of $14,295,974.44, were approved as part of the consent agenda.

• Approved submission of specialty court grant applications totaling $517,581 to the State Court Administrative Office.
• Awarded a $72,000 contract to Market One for third-party administrator services for the MSHDA CDBG Homeowner Rehabilitation Program.
• Approved the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Plan.
• Approved appointment of Russell Lauderdale to the Economic Development Corporation for a six-year term.
• Approved use of county property for the National Reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026.
• Approved claims totaling $14,295,974.44 for May 2026.
• Approved amendment to the Friend of the Court Access and Visitation Grant for FY 2026.
• Approved removal of non-union employees and elected officials from the MERS Health Care Savings Program.

Committee of the Whole

The Van Buren County Committee of the Whole will discuss an appointment to the Van Buren Community Mental Health board, a public defender update, and a facilities master plan special meeting. Other items include a server refresh, a proclamation, and a road commission update.

• Appointment of Michael Mosely to Van Buren Community Mental Health Board
• Facilities Master Plan - special meeting set
• Server and Virtualization (Internal Data Center) Refresh
• Proclamation for James and Gayle Crandall
• Road Commission monthly update

The Van Buren County Committee of the Whole approved several items to be ratified at the next regular Board of Commissioners meeting, including a $500k IT server and virtualization refresh, the appointment of Michael Mosely to the Community Mental Health Board, and a proclamation honoring James and Gayle Crandall. They also set a special meeting for July 7, 2026, to receive the Facilities Master Plan. No final decisions were made; all approvals are pending the next regular meeting.

• Approved resolution for $500k IT server and virtualization refresh (motion carried)
• Approved resolution to appoint Michael Mosely to VBCMH Board (motion carried)
• Approved resolution for proclamation honoring James and Gayle Crandall (motion carried)
• Set special meeting July 7, 2026 for Facilities Master Plan (motion carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss a presentation on Market One, grant applications for specialty courts, and award a contract for third-party administrator services for the MSHDA CDBG MI Neighborhood Homeowner Rehabilitation Program. The committee will also consider an appointment to the Economic Development Corporation, a request to use county property for a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a MERS Health Care Savings Amendment. Other agenda items include budget adjustments, travel expenditures, and department updates.

• Award of contract for Third-Party Administrator services for the MSHDA CDBG MI Neighborhood Homeowner Rehabilitation Program
• Specialty Court grant applications from State Court Administrative Office and Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health
• Appointment of Russell Lauderdale to the Economic Development Corporation
• Request to use county property for National Reading of the Declaration of Independence
• MERS Health Care Savings Amendment removing all non-union employees

The Committee of the Whole approved several grant applications for specialty courts and various administrative updates. Most items were approved with a recommendation to move them to a resolution at the next regular Board of Commissioners meeting.

• Approved May 26, 2026, meeting minutes
• Approved SCAO grant applications for Specialty Courts ($571,581) via upcoming resolution
• Approved SWMBH grant application for Specialty Courts ($72,292.48)
• Approved Market One as TPA for MSHDA CDBG MI Neighborhood Homeowner Rehabilitation Program (not to exceed $72,000) via upcoming resolution
• Approved appointment of Russell Lauderdale to the EDC Board for a six-year term via upcoming resolution
• Approved use of county property for National Reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 2026 via upcoming resolution
• Approved monthly commissioner travel expenses
• Approved payment of monthly claims ($14,295,974.44) via upcoming resolution

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider consent agenda items, including an opioid committee grant approval, brownfield reappointments, sheriff's property disposal, and a MERS health care amendment. A main discussion item is an expedited grant application from Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health for the specialty court. The meeting includes a closed session and public comment periods.

• Opioid Committee Specialty Court Grant Approval (consent)
• Brownfield Redevelopment Authority reappointments: Hillenbrand (Strohauer) and Morris (consent)
• Expedited Specialty Court grant application from Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health
• Disposal of Sheriff's Office property and unclaimed property (consent)
• MERS Health Care Savings Agreement Amendment - Command Removal (consent)

The Board of Commissioners approved $155,000 in National Opioid Settlement funds for the Specialty Courts Opioid Recovery Support Program. Additional actions included reappointing two members to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and authorizing the auction of surplus Sheriff's Office property.

• Approved $155,000 opioid settlement funding for Specialty Courts (Carried)
• Reappointed Katie Hillenbrand (Strohauer) and Zachary Morris to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (Carried)
• Approved request to submit annual grant application to Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (Carried)
• Authorized disposal of surplus and unclaimed Sheriff's Office property via auction (Carried)
• Approved amended MERS Health Care Savings Program participation agreement (Carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will consider several items including a Community Services department update, approval of an opioid committee specialty court grant, and reappointments to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Other business includes disposal of Sheriff's Office property, a Memorandum of Understanding with Market One for the Digital Information Department (expedited), creation of a Digital Systems Developer position (expedited), and an amendment to the MERS health care savings agreement regarding command removal. The meeting also includes a Road Commission monthly update and public comment periods.

• Opioid Committee Speciality Court Grant Approval
• Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Reappointments (Hillenbrand/Strohauer and Morris)
• Disposal of Sheriff's Office Property and Unclaimed Property
• Creation of Digital Information Department Digital Systems Developer position (EXPEDITED)
• MERS Health Care Savings Agreement Amendment - Command Removal

The Committee of the Whole approved several items, including a $155,000 Opioid Settlement Funding Agreement with Van Buren Specialty Courts, reappointments to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, disposal of Sheriff's Office property, a Memorandum of Understanding with Market One, creation of a Digital Systems Developer position, and an amendment to the MERS Health Care Savings Plan. All motions were carried by the commissioners present.

• Approved $155,000 Opioid Settlement Funding Agreement (carried)
• Reappointed Katie Hillenbrand and Zachary Morris to Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (carried)
• Authorized disposal and auction of Sheriff's Office unclaimed property (carried)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Market One for digital infrastructure (carried)
• Created full‑time Digital Systems Developer position at pay level R11 (carried)
• Amended MERS Health Care Savings Plan to remove Command Group (carried)
• Approved agenda for the meeting (carried)
• Approved minutes from May 12, 2026 meeting (carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss administrative and financial matters. Key items include a request for the 2026 tax rate and the creation of a new position within the Digital Information Department.

• L-4029 2026 Tax Rate Request
• Creation of Digital Systems Developer position in the Digital Information Department
• Digital Information Department Memorandum of Understanding - Market One
• Purchase of truck for the Drain Office
• FY 2027 Grant Application for the Office of Community Corrections

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 Tax Rate Request Form L‑4029 and authorized the Chair to sign it. The Board also approved $4,423,211.23 in April claims, a $41,469.68 purchase of a new Drain Commissioner truck, and renewal of the $3,000,000 cyber liability insurance policy. Additionally, the Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Market One for a digital grant‑administration platform and created a full‑time Digital Systems Developer position. Summer internships for the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office were also approved.

• Approved 2026 Tax Rate Request Form L‑4029 (Carried)
• Approved April 2026 claims totaling $4,423,211.23 (Carried)
• Approved purchase of new Drain Commissioner truck for $41,469.68 (Carried)
• Approved renewal of Cyber Liability Insurance policy (Carried)
• Approved MOU with Market One for county‑owned digital infrastructure (Carried)
• Approved creation of full‑time Digital Systems Developer position (Carried)
• Approved employment of two Prosecuting Attorney’s Office summer interns (Carried)
• Approved submission of Office of Community Corrections FY 2027 grant application (Carried)

General

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting on May 12, 2026, to hear presentations from local organizations and take public comment.

• Presentation by Michigan State University Extension
• Presentation by Safe Harbor Children's Advocacy Center
• Presentation by Van Buren Conservation District
• Presentation by Domestic Violence Coalition
• Public comment period (4 minutes per speaker)

The Board of Commissioners approved the agenda as presented. The motion was made by Mike Chappell, seconded by Gail Patterson-Gladney, and carried. Later, the board adjourned the meeting; the motion was made by David DiStefano, seconded by Paul Schincariol, and carried.

• Approved agenda (carried)
• Adjourned meeting (carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will review financial reports, including an ARPA quarterly update and a 2026 tax rate request. The body will also discuss a truck purchase for the Drain Office and a grant application for the Office of Community Corrections.

• L-4029 2026 Tax Rate Request
• Purchase of truck for the Drain Office
• FY 2027 Grant Application for the Office of Community Corrections
• Cyber Liability Insurance Renewal
• Van Buren Cass Community Health Department Annual Report

The Committee of the Whole approved the agenda and the April 30, 2026 minutes, and authorized several financial actions including a $144,150.87 grant application for the Office of Community Corrections, a $4,423,211.23 monthly claims payment, a $41,469.68 purchase of a Drain Commissioner truck, and a $27,534 cyber‑liability insurance renewal. Additional approvals covered travel expenditures, the monthly financial statement, a tax‑rate request, and hiring two summer interns for the Prosecutor’s Office. The board also accepted public‑transit finance and operations reports and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved agenda (Carried)
• Approved April 30, 2026 minutes (Carried)
• Approved $144,150.87 OCC pre‑trial services grant application (Carried)
• Approved $4,423,211.23 monthly claims payment (Carried)
• Approved $41,469.68 purchase of Drain Commissioner truck (Carried)
• Approved $27,534 cyber liability insurance renewal (Carried)
• Approved employment of two summer interns ($5,550) for Prosecutor's Office (Carried)
• Accepted public transit finance report (Carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will consider consent agenda items including a new county drain deposit, requests to use county property for the 2026 Youth Fair and First Baptist Church of Lawton, a grant purchase of TruNarc, and a parks millage renewal. Regular agenda items include a strategic facilities fund transfer, a budget stabilization fund transfer, and a closed session. Public comment periods are scheduled at the start and end of the meeting.

• Strategic Facilities Fund Transfer - discussion item
• Budget Stabilization Fund Transfer - discussion item
• Closed Session - no reason stated in agenda
• Parks Millage 2026 Renewal - consent agenda item
• Grant Purchase of TruNarc - consent agenda item

The board approved the use of county parking for the July 20‑25 youth fair overflow and for a May 17 prayer gathering on the courthouse steps. It also approved a $41,200 purchase of a TruNarc Delta Analyzer for law enforcement. A .10‑mill Parks and Recreation tax levy generating about $460,000 was adopted, and the board transferred $400,000 to the Strategic Facilities Fund and $40,000 to the Budget Stabilization Fund.

• Approved cash‑deposit authority for drainage district applications – Carried
• Approved use of county parking for Youth Fair overflow (July 20‑25, 2026) – Carried
• Approved use of courthouse steps for First Baptist Church prayer gathering (May 17, 2026) – Carried
• Approved payment of $41,200 for TruNarc Delta Analyzer – Carried
• Approved .10‑mill Parks and Recreation tax levy (≈$460,000) – Carried
• Approved transfer of $400,000 from General Fund to Strategic Facilities Fund – Carried (All Yes)
• Approved transfer of $40,000 from General Fund to Budget Stabilization Fund – Carried (All Yes)

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will meet following the Committee of the Whole. The agenda includes adoption of a Brownfield Plan for the SoHa Drift Lofts project, approval of a specialty court grant application for mental health and family reunification, and several appointments and financial transfers. A closed session is also scheduled.

• Adoption of Brownfield Plan – SoHa Drift Lofts
• Specialty Court Grant Application – Mental Health Court + Family Reunification
• Appointments to Van Buren County Planning Commission
• Strategic Facilities Fund Transfer
• MERS Health Care Savings Program Participation Agreement Amendment

The board approved a Materials Management Planning Grant amendment that adds $107,793.05 in EGLE funding. It authorized the Specialty Courts to submit $1,000,000 for the Mental Health Court and $850,000 for the Family Reunification Program. The Brownfield Plan for the SoHa Drift Lofts site at 73 rd Street, South Haven was adopted. Several appointments were confirmed, and agenda items 10B and 10C were moved to the May 12, 2026 meeting.

• Approved Materials Management Planning Grant Amendment 1 adding $107,793.05 EGLE funding (Carried)
• Approved Specialty Courts to submit $1,000,000 Mental Health Court grant and $850,000 Family Reunification grant (Carried)
• Adopted Brownfield Plan for SoHa Drift Lofts site at 73 rd Street, South Haven (Carried)
• Approved agenda as presented (Carried)
• Removed agenda items 10B and 10C, moving them to May 12, 2026 meeting (Carried)
• Approved April 14, 2026 meeting minutes (Carried)
• Reappointed Alyssa Hosbein, Jan Petersen, Barbara Rose (terms to March 31, 2029) and Scott Cedarquist (term to March 31, 2028) to County Planning Commission (Carried)
• Appointed David Havice to Southwest Michigan Planning Commission for two-year term ending Dec 31, 2027 (Carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Van Buren County Committee of the Whole will discuss a proposed renewal of the parks millage, a grant-funded purchase of a TruNarc drug detection device, and requests to use county property for the 2026 Youth Fair parking and by First Baptist Church of Lawton. The committee will also consider a reappointment to the Jury Board and a new drainage district application deposit.

• Parks Millage 2026 Renewal presented by Community Services Director
• Grant purchase of TruNarc drug detection device presented by Captain Jim Charon
• Request to use county property for 2026 Van Buren County Youth Fair parking
• Request to use county property by First Baptist Church of Lawton
• New County Drain, Drainage District Application Deposit presented by Drain Commissioner

The Board approved the reappointment of Thomas Palenick to the Jury Board for a six‑year term. It approved a deposit requirement for new County Drain Drainage District applications. It authorized use of county parking for the July 2026 Youth Fair and courthouse steps for a May 2026 prayer gathering. It approved payment for a TruNarc Delta Analyzer, the Foster Swift invoice, and adopted the .10‑mill Parks and Recreation tax levy for the 2026 winter tax bills.

• Reappointed Thomas Palenick to the Jury Board (carried)
• Established a deposit for new County Drain Drainage District applications (carried)
• Approved county parking use for the 2026 Van Buren County Youth Fair (carried)
• Approved courthouse steps use for First Baptist Church prayer gathering (carried)
• Approved $41,200 payment for TruNarc Delta Analyzer (carried)
• Adopted .10‑mill Parks and Recreation tax levy for 2026 winter tax bills (carried)
• Approved $9,800.75 Foster Swift invoice payment (carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hold a public hearing on a brownfield redevelopment plan for the SoHa Drift Lofts project. The meeting also includes routine procedural items such as agenda approval and public comment periods.

• Public hearing on the SoHa Drift Lofts Brownfield Plan

The Committee of the Whole met on April 30, 2026. A public hearing was held for the SoHa Drift Lofts brownfield redevelopment plan, but no approvals or denials were made. The meeting was adjourned at 12:58 PM after a motion to adjourn was carried. No substantive decisions were taken.

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will review and vote on several finance items, including a licensee agreement, a FY26 contract, and ballot language for renewing the public safety millage. They will also discuss administrative matters such as a health department by‑law amendment and a letter of consistency for an alternative fuel technology facility. Additional agenda items cover labor policies, a public‑transit software purchase request, and veterans services.

• MST Licensee Agreement
• FY26 Hyland Contract
• Millage Renewal – Public Safety Ballot Language
• Out of State Travel Approval Policy
• Scheduling Software Purchase Request

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners approved several resolutions, including updating health department by‑laws, authorizing a Letter of Consistency for an alternative‑fuel processing facility, and rescheduling a board meeting. It also approved continued contracts for the MST program and Hyland OnBase platform. Finally, the board adopted ballot language for renewing the public safety, ambulance, and conservation‑district millages for upcoming elections.

• Approved removal of Article III, Section IV from VBCDHD By‑Laws (A26) – motion carried
• Approved Letter of Consistency for Alternative Fuel Technology, LLC facility at 875 N. Main St., Lawton (A27) – motion carried
• Approved rescheduling of April 28 meeting to April 30 for MAC Legislative Conference (A28) – motion carried
• Approved continued MST Associates agreement for MST program support – motion carried
• Approved continued Hyland OnBase platform contract ($59,473.58 annual fee) – motion carried
• Adopted ballot language for Public Safety millage renewal (0.5332 mill) – motion carried
• Adopted ballot language for Ambulance Service millage renewal (0.9353 mill) – motion carried
• Adopted ballot language for Conservation District millage renewal (0.0989 mill) – motion carried

Committee of the Whole

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will review the SoHa Drift Lofts Brownfield Plan, approve minutes from March 2026, and consider grant amendments for materials management and specialty court programs.

• Public hearing set for SoHa Drift Lofts Brownfield Plan
• Materials Management Planning Grant Amendment 1
• Materials Management Planning Grant Administration Agreement
• Specialty Court Grant Application for Mental Health Court
• MERS Health Care Savings Program Participation Agreement - Amendment

The Van Buren County Board approved several resolutions, including the 2026 Equalization Report and a contract renewal with Assessing Solutions. It also approved a $400,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Strategic Facilities Fund and a $40,000 transfer to the Budget Stabilization Fund. All motions were carried with unanimous (All Yes) votes.

• Approved 2026 Van Buren County Equalization Report (carried)
• Approved contract renewal with Assessing Solutions for $246,100 (carried)
• Approved Materials Management Planning Grant Amendment 1 extending to July 31, 2027 (carried)
• Approved Materials Management Planning Grant Administration Agreement up to $25,000 (carried)
• Set public hearing for SoHa Drift Lofts Brownfield Plan on April 30 (carried)
• Approved submission of federal grant applications: $1,000,000 for Mental Health Court and $850,000 for Family Reunification (carried)
• Approved $400,000 transfer from General Fund to Strategic Facilities Fund (All Yes)
• Approved $40,000 transfer from General Fund to Budget Stabilization Fund (All Yes)