Meeting Notes 1-13-25

Meeting Notes from the January 13 Meeting of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners

Meeting Packet: https://boards.miottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/01132026-BOC-Agenda-Packet.v2.pdf

Meeting Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YuFPjO9BXI

ONN Tweet: https://x.com/ONNLeach/status/2011082655526182930?s=20

Sentinel Meeting Roundup: https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/politics/county/2026/01/15/heres-when-to-speak-on-cmh-transition-to-authority-in-ottawa-county/88171194007/

https://www.hollandsentinel.com/story/news/politics/county/2026/01/15/ottawa-county-approves-new-commissioner-code-for-officials/88188401007/

Community Mental Health Authority Public Hearings: The Board approved the scheduling of three (3) public hearings to engage the public on the possible creation of a Community Mental Health Authority in Ottawa County.

I voted against the Resolution because I don't think a compelling case has yet been made for proceeding. My primary concerns are twofold: first, the Legal Risk hasn't been demonstrated to be specific to CMHOC rather than to an Authority; second, the transition appears to result in higher overall costs to the County. More here from a blog post I wrote an while back.

Board Rules: The Board approved the amended Rules of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners.

Recognizing that no document will please everyone, I did vote in favor of the rules after the Board made a concerted effort to achieve the broadest possible consensus.

2026 Standing Committee Assignments: The Board received the Chairperson’s 2026 Board of Commissioner standing committee assignments in accordance with section 5.1 of the Board Rules.

2026 Community Boards and Commissions Appointments: The Board approved the Chairperson’s 2026 Board of Commissioner appointments to community boards, commissions, authorities, and councils in accordance with section 2.3 of the Board Rules.