Van Buren County public meetings in 2023
5 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole approved the 2023-2024 County Budget with an increased allocation for the Wellness Committee. The board also authorized the purchase of a jail body scanner and approved several administrative and service contract changes.
- Approved 2023-2024 County Budget with Wellness Committee increase to $60,000
- Approved $184,500 purchase of a body scanner for the Sheriff's Department
- Approved authorization for Clerk to submit Early Voting Grant Application
- Approved termination of Ambulance Services Inter-Local Agreement with Keeler Township and addition to VBEMS contract
- Approved use of 801 Hazen Street parking lot for Grape Lake 5K on Sept 9, 2023
- Approved $4,822.50 payment to Foster Swift for New Covert Generating litigation
- Approved out-of-state travel for Swift and Sure case manager training
- Approved budget adjustments to maintain a balanced budget
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved nearly $5 million in July claims and authorized the purchase of eight patrol vehicles. The board also approved a multi-county waste management plan and granted temporary property use to a ministry and a 5K race.
- Approved $4,966,193.48 in claims for July 2023
- Approved purchase of 8 patrol vehicles for 2023-2024 not to exceed $500,000.00
- Approved joining a multi-county Materials Management Plan with Berrien and Cass Counties
- Authorized Clerk to submit Early Voting Grant Application
- Approved property use for Courtside Ministries from August 30 to November 30, 2023
- Approved use of 801 Hazen Street parking lot for Grape Lake 5K Run/Walk on September 9, 2023
- Approved sale of four county vehicles (one 2013 Dodge Caravan, one 2013 Ford Van, two 2008 Ford Pickups) via Biddergy
- Approved starting salary exception for District Court Deputy Clerk at $18.50 per hour
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole conducted a public hearing regarding the 2023-2024 County Budget. No public comments were recorded, and no substantive decisions were made during the meeting.
- Approved the meeting agenda
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole approved several financial requests and infrastructure projects to be finalized by the Board of Commissioners. Key actions include authorizing nearly $5 million in claims and the purchase of eight patrol vehicles. The committee also moved to join a multi-county materials management plan.
- Approved payment of claims totaling $4,966,193.48
- Approved purchase of eight patrol vehicles from Tapper Ford not to exceed $500,000
- Approved joining a multi-county Materials Management plan with Cass and Berrien Counties
- Approved construction of a Sheriff's Office pole barn for approximately $110,000 with a directive to seek more bids
- Approved $100,000 amendment to the Child Care Fund Annual Plan & Budget (DHS-2091)
- Approved use of county park property by Courtside Ministries Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon for three months starting Aug 30
- Approved disposal of four county vehicles via Biddergy Auction site
- Approved salary exception for a new District Court Deputy Clerk to start at R20C step
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved two committee appointments and granted a request for the use of a county parking lot for a community event. Members also discussed elected official compensation and ARPA funding, with those items tabled for future meetings.
- Appointed Cande Rutherford to the Opioid Committee
- Appointed Jerry Happel to the Remonumentation Committee
- Approved use of parking lot at 801 Hazen Street, Paw Paw, for the 2023 Vineyard Classic Bike Tour on September 10th
- Approved July 25th, 2023 meeting minutes