Kent County Awarded Excellence in Financial Reporting
Kent County was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021. Kent County has received this award for more than 23 years.
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting and represents a significant accomplishment by a local unit of government and its management. While the criterion does not evaluate financial health, Kent County continues to stay financially strong after earning the Triple-A credit rating from S&P Global and Moody’s Investors Service for the 25th consecutive year in 2023.
Congratulations to our Board of Commissioners and our Fiscal Services team in ensuring the County’s finances are managed effectively and our fiscal story is communicated clearly and consistently.
Community Action Month Shines a Light on Vital Local Services
When you think of local entities that work to alleviate the causes and circumstances of poverty, Kent County may not be the first that comes to mind. But Community Action has been a key source of support for our community’s most vulnerable residents since 1966.
May is National Community Action Month, a perfect time to shine a light on the vital programs and services that KCCA provides to our neighbors right here in Kent County, including food distribution, home weatherization, emergency housing and utility assistance, transportation and other services for residents in need.
For example, KCCA is targeting the growing food insecurity problem through food distribution programs for struggling families and individuals and for senior adults. Through these vital programs, KCCA distributed 84,000 food boxes – or a total of 2 million pounds of food – to Kent County residents in the last year. Registration is open for more individuals and families in need.
Please call (616) 632-7950 or click here for more information.
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Public Service Recognition Week
As we celebrate Public Service Recognition Week this year, we want to take a moment to express our appreciation to all public service employees who work tirelessly to ensure that our County is run smoothly.
We thank you for your selflessness, dedication, and commitment to serving the people of this County. Whether you are working at the federal, state, county, local or tribal level, you play a vital role in keeping our communities running and providing essential services to the public.
We appreciate the countless hours you put in, the hard work you do every day, and the sacrifices you make to keep our county safe, secure, and prosperous. You are the unsung heroes of our society, and your contributions often go unnoticed.
So, to all public service employees out there, we want you to know that your work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your service and all that you do for us.
Kent County Department of Public Works breaks ground on final part of South Kent Landfill
The Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) began construction on the final landfill cell, Cell 56, at the South Kent Landfill. Cell 56 will occupy the last 6.1 acres of the 105.43 acres permitted for the primary municipal solid waste landfill.
South Kent Landfill is the last active landfill in Kent County, and this cell could represent the last landfill cell built in the county if other waste diversion strategies and projects are implemented with the community.
The first phase of South Kent Landfill opened in October 1982. The current phase began in 1987, and nearly 8 million tons of waste has been disposed of at this location since this date. With this new cell, the landfill is expected to reach capacity in 2029.
The DPW has set a goal to divert 90% of Kent County-generated trash that goes into landfills by 2030. Building a Sustainable Business Park on acres previously acquired for the landfill is an essential part of reaching that goal. In June, the Kent County Board of Public Works will review the final project development agreement for the Kent County Bioenergy Facility, the proposed anchor tenant at the Sustainable Business Park.
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Animal Shelter's 'Empty the Shelters' Event Off to a Pawsome Start with Nine Furry Friends Finding Forever Homes!
The Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) kicked off #EmptytheShelters with a bang! In large part to the BISSELL Pet Foundation, NINE DOGS found their forever homes.
As it was widely reported, the KCAS and humane societies in West Michigan recently sounded the alarm they are nearing capacity due to high numbers of homeless, stray and surrendered pets.
While the first week of the event was pawsome, the shelter still has 35 dogs available for adoption and typically more are added every day. So don't miss out on your opportunity to adopt your new best friend today! The Empty the Shelters event runs until Monday, May 15 and all dogs are only $25. Visit the KCAS website for more details.
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Kent County Quality Service Employees of the Quarter
Katelyn Kikstra and Amanda Lake were recently recognized as Kent County Quality Service Employees.
Kikstra is a Waste Reduction Educator with the Department of Public Works (DPW). She was recognized for her quality service in providing educational tours to community groups.
The individual who nominated Katelyn said, in part, . . . "She is an incredible asset in our Department in helping to share and educate visitors, residents and guests in the handling and management of waste for Kent County. She's a Rockstar!!!”
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Lake is a Clerk with Kent County Veterans Services. Her relentless efforts to help an area veteran find resources to cover much needed vehicle repairs were recognized.
The individual who nominated Amanda wrote, in part, . . . "Amanda has been nothing but friendly, helpful and she has always had time for me. Initially, I failed in securing the money needed to fix my vehicle. She continued to go out of her way until I received the funding needed to get my vehicle repaired.”
Congratulations and thank you to Katelyn and Amanda for your service and commitment to our residents and your coworkers. If you know a County employee who is deserving of this recognition, please complete a nomination form at www.accesskent.com/qualityservice.
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First Steps Kent Releases 2022 Impact Report
First Steps Kent has released its 2022 Impact Report. This year's report highlights the organization's remarkable accomplishments, made possible through collaborations with over 20 organizations and support for 33 innovative initiatives through the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage.
One of the significant achievements this year is First Steps Kent's successful efforts to strengthen the child care network in Kent County. By amplifying the voice of in-home business professionals, First Steps Kent has played a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and growth of our youngest residents. In addition to this achievement, First Steps Kent has also made important strides in informing early childhood policy and best practice. The organization has worked closely with local, state, and national experts to help shape evidence-based policies and ensure the equitable implementation of those policies across Kent County.
As the 2022 Impact Report makes clear, First Steps Kent is making an enormous difference in the lives of children and families throughout the community. We can all take pride in these remarkable accomplishments and look forward to even more progress in the years to come. Click here to review the 2022 Impact Report!
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Upcoming pygmy hippo habitat at John Ball Zoo will employ rigorous green, sustainability standards
The upcoming pygmy hippo habitat at John Ball Zoo will incorporate the most rigorous sustainability standards in the building industry. The Zoo broke ground on the habitat in 2021, and the multi-species exhibit is slated to open in the spring. The Zoo is pursuing Living Building Challenge Petal Certification (LBC) for the project, the highest green building certification. John Ball Zoo has been building to green standards for years and was the first Zoo in the world to be awarded Sustainable SITES Initiative certification for its meerkat habitat. To achieve LBC certification, the Zoo is taking many steps in the building and operation of the pygmy hippo habitat — helping ensure the materials used can be recycled, utilizing geothermal heating and cooling systems that reduce energy output and reducing water usage, among many other sustainability measures.
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