Meeting Notes 2-26-26

Meeting Notes from the February 26 Meeting of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners

Meeting Packet: https://boards.miottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/02262026-BOC-Agenda-Packet.pdf

Meeting Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KwOQeZ3TnI

ONN Tweet: https://x.com/ONNLeach/status/2027028725175406748?s=20

Sentinel Meeting Roundup:

Employee Assistance Program: The Board approved a 2-year contract addendum to continue services with Pine Rest to provide the County's Employee Assistance Program at an estimated cost of $94,000.

Utility Assistance Grant: The Board approved the 2026 Work Together Agreement accepting the $246,000 contribution from Consumers Energy for emergency utility assistance for Consumers Energy customers.

Budget Adjustments: The Board approved the FY2026 budget adjustments per the attached schedule.

North Ottawa Dunes: The Board approved the creation of a new Capital Improvement Project in the amount of $180,000 to address work at North Ottawa Dunes.

Historic Ottawa Beach Parking License: The Board approved the License Agreement between Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission and property owner Mary Collins to formalize parking accommodations at Historic Ottawa Beach in Park Township; and to authorize the Parks Director to take such actions as are necessary to implement the intent of the Commission in this matter.

CMH Authority: The Board voted 6 to 5 to approve the Resolution which contains findings and enabling language that meets the requirements of Section 205 of the Mental Health Code for the incorporation of Ottawa County’s Community Mental Health Department into an Authority and the Transition Agreement referenced in the Resolution to effectuate that change.

I voted no on the resolution. While I appreciate all the the work staff has done to analyze this issue, I continue to believe that the proposed transition introduces greater uncertainty and risk than it potentially resolves.

Committee Assignment: The Board approved the reappointment of Commissioner Jorritsma to the Lakeshore Regional Entity Oversight Policy Board for 2026.

Eviction Prevention Program: The Board voted unanimously to approve the partnership agreement between Ottawa County and Good Samaritan Ministries and appropriate committed Fund Balance to support the Ottawa County Eviction Prevention Program with $300,000 from the Board Initiatives Fund.

I was very pleased that the Board approved this investment, which gives us the opportunity to continue supporting Good Samaritan in their mission to prevent eviction fore those experiencing emergency financial situations.

Post-Execution Contract Ratification: The Board voted to ratify all contracts on the Ratification Report pursuant to the County’s Contracting policy: