We have been very busy over the past two weeks in launching new initiatives and proposing new processes to the Board of Commissioners.  

On Friday, we launched a community engagement process to allow residents an opportunity to help identify community spending priorities for some of the $127.6 million we  received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). To obtain this feedback from as many residents as possible, the community engagement process includes an interactive website, three community forums, an online survey, and an online form to submit funding proposals. I encourage you to visit our website – http://kentcountyarpa.com/ – to get information on the community meetings and find a link to the community survey and the form to submit project funding proposals.

Additionally, we held a Board work session last week to discuss the proposed realignment in our animal shelter and animal control services. Our animal shelter, which is currently organized within the Health Department, is not positioned within our organization for optimal performance. We believe adjusting the current organization structure will improve services to the community. The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on this issue at its June 9 meeting. We will be reaching out to our local units of government to discuss these changes and how we can partner to provide the best care possible to the animals in our community. 

We are also working on a new budget timeline which will help us streamline our financial operations. Watch for more details on this proposal in the weeks ahead.

On another note, I had the pleasure of attending the West Michigan Woman Brilliance Awards dinner last week. Over 400 high achieving women (and men) were nominated for nine award categories. Our own Deputy County Administrator Jennifer James was nominated for the Team Player Award. While this award went to a different nominee, Jenny is definitely a great team player in my office and the community and we congratulate her on this significant nomination.

I hope that you find this edition of the Administrator’s Digest interesting and informative. We are always interested in ideas to improve so please forward any to my attention.

63rd District Court Announces New Hours

(Danielle Castillo, Court Administrator)

The 63rd District Court is changing its business hours. Effective June 1, 2022, the court will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

As always, the Court's priority is to serve Kent County residents of Kent County and regret any inconvenience this change may cause. Please contact the Court at (616) 632-7770 if you have any questions.

Congregate Meals Are Back!

(Susan Cervantes, KCCA Director) 

Kent County Community Action (KCCA) recently re-opened its doors for the Congregate Meals program after a two-year hiatus due to COVID. 

This program not only serves nutritious Latin American cuisine but provides much needed socialization. The culturally appropriate food allows participating seniors to maintain their physical health. Additionally, the socialization decreases depression and isolation which many seniors struggled with during COVID.

The program has been operated by KCCA for over 35 years and the Latin American seniors who participate in the meal also enjoy such activities as lotería, dominoes and crocheting. Anyone 60 years or older is welcome to join the Congregate Meals Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.