Cass County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Cass County Board to weigh $52,000 book scanner request; no votes confirmed from recent meetings

Four Cass County bodies met or were scheduled to meet in the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of them. That means the items below are what appeared on the agendas — not what was decided. No vote tallies or outcomes are available in the records supplied.

Board of Commissioners, Oct. 15

The largest dollar figure on any recent agenda comes from the county Board of Commissioners, which was set to take up a request to buy a Large Format Book Scanner for the Clerk/Register office.

• **Motion M-156-2026**: purchase a Large Format Book Scanner for the Clerk/Register up to $52,000.00. The figure is an authorization ceiling, not a reported contract price or payment.
• **Resolution R-37-2026**: approve the 2026 Apportionment Report.
• **Motion M-155-2026**: a budget adjustment for the MCOLES Academy Assistance Program.
• **Motion M-157-2026**: approve the 2027 Holiday Schedule.
• A presentation of the Drain Commission Annual Report was also listed.

The apportionment report and the drain commission report are routine annual items; the agenda does not describe their contents. Whether any of these items passed is not established by the available record.

Board of Public Works, Oct. 14

The board was scheduled to hear a general status report on Bankson Lake and an updated project schedule for the lake. The agenda also listed approval of minutes from the Aug. 19, 2026 meeting. No cost figures or project details were included in the summary.

Human Services Coordinating Council, Oct. 14

The HSCC agenda listed a presentation on the Resource Guide, approval of minutes from the Aug. 12, 2026 meeting, and time for old business, new business and a round table discussion. The summary does not describe what the Resource Guide contains or who was presenting.

Historical Commission, Oct. 8

The commission was set to review September financial reports and bills and to hear an update on Zoom meetings with MSU regarding transfer of ownership of the Historic Newton House. Two events were listed for updates: the Newton House Fall Festival, scheduled for 10.10.2026, and the CCHS Antique Auction Fundraiser, scheduled for 10.24.2026. The agenda does not state the status of the ownership transfer or whether either fundraiser has since taken place.

What the record does not show

All four entries are agenda-only. Minutes have not been published, so this roundup cannot report what was approved, rejected, tabled or amended, and cannot report any vote count. Residents seeking outcomes should consult the official minutes once posted.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings were listed in the records provided for the next 14 days. That absence reflects the supplied data only and is not evidence that no meetings are scheduled; readers should check the county's meeting calendar for agendas.

Cass County roundup: $93,585 border survey grant and $82,226.50 DLZ contract on Oct. 1 agenda; minutes pending

Cass County commissioners were scheduled to consider a Michigan Indiana Border Survey Grant Amendment #1 that would increase the total award to $93,585.00, along with an amended Michigan Indiana State Line Survey contract with DLZ for $82,226.50, at their October 1 meeting in Cassopolis. Agendas for the four meetings covered here have been published, but minutes for all four are not yet available, so no votes or outcomes are confirmed by the records reviewed.

Board of Commissioners, Oct. 1

The board met at 5:00 PM at 120 N. Broadway, Suite 300, Cassopolis. New business motions listed on the agenda were:

• M-149-2026: Michigan Indiana Border Survey Grant Amendment #1 increasing the total award to $93,585.00, and an amended Michigan Indiana State Line Survey contract to DLZ for $82,226.50
• M-147-2026: budget adjustment for the Veterans Relief Fund
• M-148-2026: budget adjustment for the Clerk's Office
• M-150-2026: Cass County Problem-Solving Court Budgets FY 2027
• M-151-2026: Child Parent Legal Representation grant FY 27
• M-152-2026: appointment of Jeremiah Jones to the Land Bank Authority for an unexpired term ending 12/31/2026

The agenda also listed recognition of two sheriff's office employees for 35 years of service, a life-saving award, and the possibility of entering closed session. Because minutes are not published, whether the board acted on any of these items is not established by the records provided.

Parks and Recreation Board, Oct. 1

The Parks and Recreation Commission held its regular meeting at Dr. Lawless Park in Vandalia. The agenda covered committee and director reports, unfinished business on a Dark Sky/WiFi update, an LWCF grant update and hydro project funding, and new business on a Point Park overview, an SMC intern, The Friends of the Cass County Parks, and special events.

Attached notes from the September 3 meeting record that no quorum was present, so no formal action was taken and topics were only generally discussed. Those notes state a grant was awaiting final signatures and the hydro project list had been submitted. An SMC intern is working 8-10 hours per week for a total of 144 hours. The director's report notes Dr. Lawless hosted 200 Cassopolis Middle School students and three nights of Dark Sky viewing.

Economic Development Corporation / Brownfield Authority, Sept. 30

The EDC and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority met to review minutes, a treasurer's report, and housing and brownfield items. Discussion items included a housing survey under Housing Restoration and Development, a brownfield policy, an exercise on Marcellus properties, a brownfield promotion plan, and EDC/Market One alignment under new business. No votes on specific contracts, rezonings, or dollar amounts appear in the agenda.

Historical Commission, Oct. 8

The Historical Commission was set to review financial reports and bills for September. The agenda lists an update on Zoom meetings with MSU regarding the transfer of ownership of the Historic Newton House, a Newton House Fall Festival update (scheduled for 10.10.2026), a CCHS Antique Auction Fundraiser update (scheduled for 10.24.2026), and approval of the September financial report and bills.

Coming up

• **Oct. 14 — Board of Public Works:** Bankson Lake general status report and updated project schedule, plus approval of minutes from the August 19, 2026 meeting.
• **Oct. 14 — Human Services Coordinating Council:** presentation on the Resource Guide, approval of August 12, 2026 minutes, old and new business, and a round table discussion.
• **Oct. 15 — Board of Commissioners:** Resolution R-37-2026 to approve the 2026 Apportionment Report; Motion M-156-2026 to purchase a Large Format Book Scanner for the Clerk/Register up to $52,000.00; Motion M-155-2026 for an MCOLES Academy Assistance Program budget adjustment; Motion M-157-2026 to approve the 2027 Holiday Schedule; and a Drain Commission Annual Report presentation.

Cass County Board to weigh state line grant, van purchase, and policy changes

Cass County boards and committees reviewed a range of financial, policy, and administrative items at meetings held Aug. 12-21. No decisions have been published yet; the following items were on the agendas.

Human Services Coordinating Council (Aug. 12)

The council was set to approve the agenda and June minutes, hear a presentation on domestic violence from Deb Hackworth of Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services, and a presentation on the After the Storm program by Brittany Beard. It also planned to discuss the October meeting and the Executive Committee.

Board of Commissioners (Aug. 13)

The board was set to consider a School Resource Officer contract for Marcellus Schools, funded by a grant; the purchase of a 2027 Ford Transit 250 MR AWD cargo van for $50,595.20 from Tapper Ford, LLC; a resolution authorizing the 2026 Revised L-4029 Millage Levy; the Child Care Fund Budget for fiscal year 2027; and a CDBG Whole Home Performance Pilot Program subrecipient agreement with Market One.

Policy Committee (Aug. 13)

The committee was to review amendments to Board of Commissioner bylaws and procedures, a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority revolving loan fund policy, and a credit card policy.

Historical Commission (Aug. 13)

The commission was to select a winner of the Cass County Fair drawing and discuss a CCHS Antique Auction Fundraiser at the Cass County Fairgrounds. It also had on the agenda approval of the June and July financial reports, July bills, and August meeting minutes.

Board of Public Works (Aug. 19)

The board was to receive a status report on Bankson Lake and a proposal for a UIS SCADA system for the lake. It also planned to approve the July 19, 2026 meeting minutes.

Board of Commissioners (Aug. 20)

The board was set to consider a $76,994 grant agreement with the State of Michigan for remonumenting the state line and a related $70,800 survey contract with DLZ. Also on the agenda were adoption of amended Board of Commissioner Bylaws and Rules of Procedure, a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Revolving Loan Fund Policy, a new Purchasing Card Policy (rescinding the existing Credit Card Policy), and appointments of Abigail Alexander, MD and Fernanda Da Silva Lameira, MD as Deputy Medical Examiners.

Land Bank (Aug. 21)

The Cass County Land Bank reviewed a proposal from Market One to serve as Third-Party Administrator for the CDBG Homeowner Improvement Project (HIP) Program, which funds urgent health and safety repairs for homeowners. The proposal included Market One's qualifications, staffing (Molly McFadden, Taylor Hoffman, Samuel Halfmann), and a grant management plan. Market One has administered $4.3 million in CDBG funds for nine communities. The proposed timeline is 72 weeks from contract execution, and the plan uses the Van Buren DICE digital platform for compliance tracking. No final decision is recorded.

Coming up

The Cass County Planning Commission will meet on August 26 to review a Pokagon Township rezoning request and a related opinion, as well as the Porter Township Zoning Ordinance.

Cass County roundup: Informational meetings, upcoming votes on SRO contract and van

No final decisions were made at Cass County meetings over the past two weeks, as the Economic Development Corporation, Appointments Committee, and Parks and Recreation Board all met on agenda-only items. The most consequential action will come Thursday, Aug. 13, when the Board of Commissioners votes on a school resource officer contract, a van purchase, and a millage levy resolution.

Economic Development Corporation and Brownfield Authority

The Cass County Economic Development Corporation and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority met July 29 for an informational session. Members discussed a housing survey and summit presentation by Molly McFadden, reviewed components of brownfield assessments with David Stegink, and considered a brownfield redevelopment and revolving loan fund policy. Brownfield site nominations were also discussed, along with an update on the Market One project by Dan Peat. No votes were taken.

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee met Aug. 6 on a procedural agenda. Members approved the July 2, 2026 meeting minutes and reviewed two upcoming vacancies on the Woodlands Behavioral Health Board. No new decisions or contracts were listed.

Parks and Recreation Board

The Parks and Recreation Board met Aug. 6 at Dodd Park. Updates included the Dark Sky and WiFi program, with an August star party scheduled for Aug. 14 featuring a musical group and speakers. The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant is still awaiting final federal approval. The Sears Park boat launch has concrete damaged by improper use, and a permit from EGLE is needed for repair. At Dodd Park, storm-damaged shelter #2 is nearly repaired, and warning signs about dangerous river conditions have been ignored. At Russ Forest, a family is donating a memorial bench to replace one destroyed by a spring storm. The meeting was informational with no votes.

Upcoming: Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet Aug. 13 and is scheduled to vote on several items:

• **M-117-2026:** Approve a School Resource Officer contract at Marcellus Schools, funded by a grant.
• **M-121-2026:** Purchase a 2027 Ford Transit 250 MR AWD cargo van for $50,595.20 from Tapper Ford, LLC.
• **R-32-2026:** Resolution authorizing the 2026 Revised L-4029 Millage Levy.
• **M-119-2026:** Approve the Child Care Fund Budget for fiscal year 2027.
• **M-122-2026:** Approve a CDBG Whole Home Performance Pilot Program subrecipient agreement with Market One.

The board will also hear reports on the Medical Examiner and a mobile clinic update.

Coming up

The Cass County Board of Commissioners meets Thursday, Aug. 13. The full agenda is available on the county website. Residents interested in the SRO contract, van purchase, or millage levy may want to attend or watch the meeting.

Cass County boards review township amendments, veteran vouchers, and brownfield policy

Cass County boards and committees turned to township zoning, veteran services funding, and brownfield redevelopment over the past two weeks, though official minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, making it unclear what was ultimately decided.

Planning Commission takes up four township amendments

The Cass County Planning Commission met July 22 to consider four items from surrounding townships: a Calvin Township text amendment, an Ontwa Township zoning ordinance amendment, a Howard Township text amendment, and a Newberg Township law ordinance. All four were listed under new business on the agenda. Minutes from the meeting have not yet been published, so no vote tallies or outcomes are available.

Veterans Advisory Committee reviews FY 2025/2026 vouchers

The Veterans Advisory Committee met July 23 to handle organizational business and review financial vouchers for fiscal year 2025/2026. The agenda listed the following voucher totals:

• **Vouchers:** 11 totaling $2,140.79
• **Setting of Foundation:** 4 totaling $1,354.00
• **Burials:** 4 totaling $1,200.00

The committee also discussed the availability of Narcan in the county to address the drug epidemic, and the agenda included signing of travel and per diem forms. Minutes have not yet been published, so it is not confirmed whether the vouchers were approved.

Brownfield Authority discusses housing survey, loan fund policy, and Market One

The Cass County Economic Development Corporation and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority met July 29 for what the agenda described as a largely informational session with no final votes expected. Items on the agenda included:

• A housing survey and summit presentation by Molly McFadden
• A discussion of brownfield assessment components by David Stegink
• Review of a brownfield redevelopment and revolving loan fund policy
• Consideration of brownfield site nominations
• An update on the Market One project by Dan Peat

Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

The Cass County Appointments Committee meets August 6 to approve minutes from its July 2, 2026 meeting and review two openings on the Woodlands Behavioral Health Board. The agenda also includes discussion of upcoming committee vacancies. No new decisions or contracts are listed.

Cass County board set to act on jail generator contracts, medical examiner budget; Planning Commission to review township amendments

Board of Commissioners: jail generator contracts and Medical Examiner budget adjustment

The Cass County Board of Commissioners was scheduled July 16 to consider several spending items tied to county facilities and services.

On the agenda: a $71,705 contract with Hi Tech Electric Company for a jail generator and a $28,682 contract with R.W. LaPine, Inc. for jail generator steel support. Combined, the two contracts total $100,387.

The board was also scheduled to vote on a $37,000 Medical Examiner budget adjustment from the General Fund, the 2027 Community Corrections Plan, and a Second Addendum to the Opioid Settlement Funding Plan. A Planning Commission member appointment was also listed for approval.

Note: The July 16 meeting record is agenda only; minutes have not yet been published. Final vote tallies and whether each item was approved are not yet available.

Board of Public Works: Bankson Lake project status

The Cass County Board of Public Works met July 15 to review a general status report on the Bankson Lake project under old business and an updated project schedule under new business. The agenda also included public comment periods and approval of prior minutes.

Minutes have not yet been published, so no outcomes are confirmed.

Historical Commission: broadband at Newton House, fair booth

The Cass County Historical Commission met July 9. The agenda listed approval of May regular meeting minutes, financial reports for May and June, and bills for May and June.

Old business included a presentation on broadband at the Newton House and the Cass County Fair booth, along with a BOC Presentation / MSU Presentation.

This record is agenda only; minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Cass County Planning Commission — July 22:** The commission will consider four township amendment items: a Calvin Township text amendment, an Ontwa Township zoning ordinance amendment, a Howard Township text amendment, and a Newberg Township law ordinance. All are listed under new business.