Van Buren County, Michigan

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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)

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

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

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

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

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 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 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)

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 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)

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)

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 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 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)

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 discuss ballot language for three millage renewals, including Public Safety and Ambulance Service, and approve out-of-state travel requests and software purchases.

• Millage Renewal - Public Safety Ballot Language
• Millage Renewal - Ambulance Service Ballot Language
• Millage Renewal - Van Buren Conservation District Ballot Language
• Out of State Travel Request- Sheriff's Office
• Scheduling Software Purchase Request

The board approved several resolutions, including out‑of‑state travel for Detective Orr, a by‑law amendment for the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department, and a Letter of Consistency for an alternative‑fuel facility in Lawton. It also approved contracts for the MST Services program and Hyland’s OnBase platform, adopted new travel, holidays and employment‑inquiry policies, and placed three millage renewal proposals on the August 4, 2026 primary ballot. Additionally, the board rescheduled the April 28, 2026 meetings to April 30, 2026 and authorized purchase of scheduling software for public transit.

• Approved out‑of‑state travel for Detective Orr to attend AX400 training (resolution)
• Approved amendment to Van Buren/Cass District Health Department by‑law (resolution)
• Approved Letter of Consistency for Alternative Fuel Technology, LLC facility in Lawton (resolution)
• Approved contract with MST Services for Multisystemic Therapy program (resolution)
• Approved contract with Hyland for OnBase platform (resolution)
• Approved placing Conservation District, Public Safety, and Ambulance Service millage renewal proposals on August 4, 2026 primary ballot (resolution)
• Adopted Out‑of‑State Travel Approval Policy (resolution)
• Approved purchase of CTS TripMaster scheduling software ($62,272 one‑time, $1,210 monthly) (resolution)

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will consider several consent items, including a sublease agreement for the Van Buren Youth Fair Association with Vassar Farms. They will also review the county's Specialty Court grant application, revised planning commission bylaws, and a request for out‑of‑state travel by the Sheriff’s Office. Additional finance items such as a copier lease renewal and a Congressionally Directed Spending application will be presented.

• Approval of Van Buren Youth Fair Association’s sublease with Vassar Farms
• Specialty Court Grant Application
• Approval of Revised Van Buren County Planning Commission Bylaws
• Out‑of‑State Travel Request – Sheriff’s Office (expedited)
• Applied Innovations Copier Lease Renewal

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners approved a $1,000,000 grant application for the Specialty Courts Swift and Sure program. It also approved a sublease of 30 acres to Vassar Farms, updated Planning Commission bylaws, and out‑of‑state travel for a detective. Additional approvals included February claims of $4,073,786.51, a $576,000 RAPID DNA grant, and an $8,908 emergency‑management grant.

• Approved $1,000,000 Specialty Court grant application (Carried)
• Approved $3,150 sublease of 30 acres to Vassar Farms (Carried)
• Approved revised Planning Commission bylaws (Carried)
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for Detective Chris Orr (Carried)
• Approved February claims totaling $4,073,786.51 (Carried)
• Accepted $576,000 RAPID DNA technology grant (Carried)
• Accepted $8,908 Emergency Management Performance Grant (Carried)
• Approved discussion of copier lease renewal (Carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will consider several memoranda of understanding with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and a resolution supporting 2026 Purchase of Development Rights grant applications to MDARD. They will also review the renewal of the 911 local surcharge collection for 2026‑2027, along with related finance items such as a cash handling policy and a broadband consultant contract extension. Additional agenda items include a board vacancy, out‑of‑state travel approval, and MDOT transit contracts.

• Resolution of Support – 2026 Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Grant Applications to MDARD
• 911 Local Surcharge Collection Renewal 2026‑2027
• DCS – Broadband Consultant Contract Extension
• MDOT Contract 2022-0144 P9 CMAQ
• MDOT Contract 2022-0144 P10 Federal 5311 Operating

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners approved the continuation of the voter‑approved 911 local surcharge for July 2026‑June 2027. It also adopted three memoranda of understanding to rebuild regional transportation‑related websites, supported two agricultural land‑preservation grant applications, filled a board vacancy, authorized travel for legal secretaries, and granted recurring use of county property for community events.

• Approved MOU to rebuild MyWayThere.org website ($9,720 development, $2,112 annual) – Carried
• Approved MOU to rebuild SWMPC website ($11,250 development, $2,112 annual) – Carried
• Approved MOU to rebuild US‑12 Heritage Trail website ($9,720 development, $2,112 annual) – Carried
• Approved Resolution of Support for two 2026 PDR grant applications to MDARD – Carried
• Appointed Mike Toth to fill District 5 board vacancy – Carried
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for two legal secretaries to St. Louis for software training – Carried
• Approved recurring use of county properties for 2026 community events – Carried
• Approved continuation of 911 local surcharge collection for July 1 2026 – June 30 2027 – Carried

Committee of the Whole

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole will consider several expedited items, including a sublease approval for the Van Buren Youth Fair Association with Vassar Farms and a revision of the County Planning Commission bylaws. Other agenda items cover a board vacancy, an out‑of‑state travel request for the Prosecuting Attorney, and a grant application for the Specialty Court. The meeting also includes finance reports, loan and lease renewals, and a grant application for the Office of the Public Defender.

• Approval of Van Buren Youth Fair Association’s sublease with Vassar Farms
• Approval of Revised Van Buren County Planning Commission Bylaws
• Board Vacancy (expedited) for District #2
• Out of State Travel request for Prosecutors Office (expedited)
• Specialty Court Grant Application

The Commissioners appointed Mike Toth to fill the District 5 vacancy until a successor is elected. They approved a $3 M Congressionally Directed Spending grant to build a new 911 Dispatch/Emergency Operations Center. Additional actions included approving out‑of‑state training travel, a $1 M federal grant for a probation program, and several finance and technology purchases.

• Approved appointment of Mike Toth to fill District 5 vacancy (Carried)
• Approved $3,000,000 CDS grant for new 911 Dispatch/Emergency Operations Center (Carried)
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for Karpel training in St. Louis, MO (Carried)
• Approved federal grant application of $1,000,000 for Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program (Carried)
• Approved sublease of 30 acres to Vassar Farms for $3,150 (Carried)
• Approved updated Van Buren County Planning Commission bylaws (Carried)
• Approved PC Refresh purchase up to $55,000 for 33 desktops and 14 laptops (Carried)
• Approved copier lease renewal with Applied Innovations at $1,395.31 per month for five years (Carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss financial resolutions and personnel updates. The body is reviewing a borrowing resolution for 2026 and a request to increase staffing for public transit.

• 2026 Annual Borrowing Resolution
• Public Transit staffing increase
• MDOT FY 2027 Annual Application
• Re-appointment of Sandy Hanson to Van Buren District Library
• Re-appointments for Van Buren County Community Mental Health

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners approved an $8 million borrowing resolution to fund the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund. It also approved $4,419,517.97 in county claims for January 2026, re‑appointed members to the Community Mental Health and District Library boards, authorized travel for Specialty Courts staff to the All Rise Conference, added two full‑time public‑transit drivers, and adopted updates to insurance benefits, building‑closure, and service‑credit policies.

• Approved $8,000,000 borrowing for the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund (Carried)
• Approved $4,419,517.97 county claims for January 2026 (Carried)
• Re‑appointed Carol Sjoquist and Michael Saenz to the Community Mental Health Board (Carried)
• Re‑appointed Sandy Hanson to the Van Buren District Library Board (Carried)
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for Specialty Courts staff to All Rise Conference in Nashville (Carried)
• Approved addition of two full‑time public‑transit driver positions (Carried)
• Approved updated language to the Insurance Benefits Policy (Carried)
• Approved updated language to the Building Closure Policy (Carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss a variety of administrative and financial matters, including several website modernization agreements and the 2026 annual borrowing resolution. The body will also review public transit staffing and MDOT contract applications.

• 2026 Annual Borrowing Resolution
• Three MOUs with Southwest Michigan Planning Commission for website rebuilds and modernization
• Resolution of Support for 2026 Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Grant Applications to MDARD
• Public Transit staffing increase
• 911 Local Surcharge Collection Renewal 2026-2027

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners approved a borrowing resolution authorizing the Treasurer to borrow up to $8 million for the Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund. They also approved continuation of the 911 local surcharge for 2026‑2027, out‑of‑state travel for specialty court staff, and several memoranda of understanding with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. Additional approvals included two new full‑time public‑transit drivers, a broadband consultant contract extension, and payment of $4,419,517.97 in monthly claims.

• Approved $8 M borrowing resolution for Delinquent Tax Revolving Fund (All Yes)
• Approved continuation of 911 local surcharge collection July 1 2026‑June 30 2027
• Approved out‑of‑state travel for up to 9 specialty‑court team members to All Rise Conference (Carried)
• Approved MOU with Southwest Michigan Planning Commission to rebuild MyWayThere website (Carried)
• Approved addition of two full‑time public‑transit driver positions (Carried)
• Approved DCS Broadband Consultant Contract Extension $12,000/month through Dec 31 2026 (Carried)
• Approved payment of monthly claims totaling $4,419,517.97 (Carried)

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will discuss increasing public transit staffing and an MDOT FY 2027 annual application. The board is also reviewing policy updates for insurance benefits and building closures.

• Public Transit Staffing Increase
• MDOT FY 2027 Annual Application
• Insurance Benefits Policy Update
• Building Closure Policy Update
• Re-appointment of Sandy Hanson to Van Buren District Library

The board meeting was called to order at 2:12 PM, but only three commissioners were present. Without a quorum, the board could not conduct business and no decisions were made. The meeting adjourned at 2:15 PM.

Committee of the Whole

The Van Buren County Committee of the Whole will approve the agenda and minutes, hear public comments, and discuss several finance and operational items. Key actions include reviewing the 2026 Annual Borrowing Resolution and a cash handling policy. The meeting also features updates on broadband contracts, public transit applications, and a memorandum of understanding for Southwest Michigan Planning Commission website modernization.

• Approval of the 2026 Annual Borrowing Resolution (Finance)
• Broadband Update and DCS Contract Extension presentation
• MDOT FY 2027 Annual Application – expedited (Public Transit)
• Memorandum of Understanding for Southwest Michigan Planning Commission website rebuild and modernization
• Public Transit Staffing Increase – expedited

The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order, but a quorum was not present. Consequently, no actions or votes could be taken on any agenda items. Item 6.A was heard but not acted upon.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review an expedited AFSCME Union Agreement and a $500,000 EPA grant application for the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. The meeting also includes several FY26 service contracts and appointments to county boards and medical positions.

• Van Buren County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority $500,000 EPA Grant Application
• AFSCME Union Agreement (Expedited)
• FY26 contracts for Court Appointed Special Advocate, Student Advocacy Michigan, and MST Associates
• Allegan County Secure Detention Bed Rental Contract FY26
• Appointment of Dr. Anna Tart, MD as Deputy Medical Examiner

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2026‑2030 Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plan. It approved the acceptance of a $25,000 opioid treatment grant, a $500,000 EPA brownfield grant application, and an update to the 911 plan. The board also made several appointments and approved out‑of‑state travel for a sheriff’s detective.

• Adopted 2026‑2030 Parks and Recreation Plan (Carried)
• Approved acceptance of $25,000 MOUD grant for the Sheriff's Office (Carried)
• Approved application for $500,000 EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant (Carried)
• Approved revised Appendix #3 to the County 911 Plan (Carried)
• Re‑appointed Kimberly Kiley and Roger Engle to Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (Carried)
• Appointed Anne Wendling to Van Buren Cass Community Health Department Board (Carried)
• Appointed Dr. Anna Tart as Deputy Medical Examiner (Carried)
• Approved Detective Chris Orr’s out‑of‑state DVR training travel (Carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hear a broadband update and an extension of the DCS contract. It will also review the Information Technology Annual Report, discuss expedited out‑of‑state travel for the Sheriff’s Office, and consider re‑appointments for the Van Buren County Community Mental Health program and the Van Buren District Library. Additional items include human resources reports and a road commission update, followed by public comment.

• Broadband Update and DCS Contract Extension
• Out of State Travel – Sheriff’s Office (expedited)
• Re‑Appointment Van Buren County Community Mental Health
• Re‑Appointment Van Buren District Library – Sandy Hanson
• Human Resources Annual Report

The Committee of the Whole approved the amended agenda and the minutes from the January 13 meeting. They removed Item 6.A from the agenda to be considered at the February 10 meeting. The board also approved several policy updates, including insurance benefits, paid time off, and building closure procedures.

• Approved agenda as amended (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of Jan 13, 2026 meeting (motion carried)
• Deleted Item 6.A from agenda; to be heard Feb 10 (motion carried)
• Approved out-of-state travel for Sheriff's Office training in Hoover, AL (motion carried)
• Approved reappointment of Carol Sjoquist and Michael Saenz to Community Mental Health Board (motion carried)
• Approved reappointment of Sandy Hanson to District Library Board (motion carried)
• Approved update to insurance benefits policies in Personnel Handbook (motion carried)
• Approved update to Paid Time Off policy (motion carried)

Committee of the Whole

The Van Buren County Committee of the Whole will meet on January 13, 2026. The agenda includes standard procedural items and a presentation of the Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plan for 2026‑2030, presented by Community Services Director Lisa Ransler. No formal decisions are listed; the plan will be discussed and open to public comment.

• Presentation of Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plan (2026‑2030)
• Public comment (4‑minute limit per speaker)

Committee of the Whole

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will discuss updates to the 911 plan, review the annual financial report, and approve multiple contracts for the upcoming fiscal year, including a $500,000 EPA grant application for brownfield redevelopment.

• Update 911 Plan Appendix #3
• Van Buren County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority $500,000 EPA Grant Application
• Court Appointed Special Advocate Contract FY26
• MST Associates Contract FY26
• Allegan County Secure Detention Bed Rental Contract FY26

Board of Commissioners

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will consider several expedited labor agreements, including a police officers command bargaining agreement and an AFSCME union agreement. The meeting also includes appointments to the Building Authority, Parks Commission, and Land Preservation positions. Standard consent agenda items, public comment, and a closed session are also scheduled.

• Police Officers Labor Council Command Bargaining Agreement (expedited)
• AFSCME Union Agreement (expedited)
• Salary Exception – Family Division Referee (expedited)
• Building Authority Appointment – Hunt, C.
• Parks Commission Reappointment – Hickmott, E.

General

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will review the Facilities Master Plan presented by the County Administrator and the Community Services Director. No other decisions or votes are listed on the agenda. The meeting also includes standard items such as call to order, agenda approval, and public comment.

• Facilities Master Plan discussion presented by County Administrator John Faul and Community Services Director Lisa Ransler

General

The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners will hold its organizational meeting to elect a chairperson and vice chairperson, adopt board bylaws, and set the 2026 meeting schedule. The agenda also includes the approval of prior meeting minutes and presentations on buildings, community services, and digital information.

• Nomination and Election of Chairperson
• Nomination and Election of Vice Chairperson
• Review and Adopt Board Bylaws and Procedures
• 2026 Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule
• Approval of January 7th, 2025 Organizational Meeting Minutes