Kent County Board of Commissioners February Newsletter

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Ready By Five Early Childhood Millage Passed

Last week, the Kent County Board of Commissioners made a significant decision regarding publicly funded early childhood education services in our community.

After extensive deliberation, the Board voted to place a question on the upcoming ballot regarding the renewal of the Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage at its current rate of 0.25 mills from 2024 to 2031. A notable change in the renewal proposal is the expansion of millage funds to address childcare access within the County, pending approval by voters this fall.

Administered by First Steps Kent, the millage supports organizations enhancing early childhood programs, with a focus on children aged 5 and younger to improve school readiness.

The deliberations among commissioners reflected a spectrum of viewpoints regarding the appropriate tax rate. While some advocated for an increase, underlining the urgency of investing more in early childhood development, others emphasized the need for a full cohort of program data before any adjustments to the millage rate are made.

Despite the differing opinions, the decision to renew the millage at its current rate passed. Moreover, due to increased tax collections and adjustments from the Headlee rollback, the renewed millage at 0.25 of one mill is expected to generate $2 million more in 2025 than in the first year of the millage in 2019. For 2025, It is estimated to generate $800,000 more than in 2024, the final year of the current millage, further fortifying the resources available for early childhood programs.

Board Chair Stan Stek, while acknowledging the significance and impact of the millage, invited First Steps Kent to revisit the request for additional funding once a full cohort of program data outcomes is available. Additionally, he pledged to convene a community stakeholder group to better understand the scope of the childcare challenge in Kent County and explore various responses to address it.

New Minority Vice Chair Selected

Commissioner Michelle McCloud was selected as the new Minority Vice Chair, becoming the first woman of color to serve in this role. Her appointment follows Commissioner Stephen Wooden's resignation to devote more time to other professional opportunities.  During the nomination process, Commissioner Wooden praised McCloud for her knowledge, quick study, and hard work. His endorsement speaks volumes about McCloud's dedication and capabilities. We thank Commissioner Wooden for his service and welcome Commissioner McCloud to her new and historic role.

Tour of the New Behavioral Health Crisis Center

Kent County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Established

The Board of Commissioners voted to establish the Kent County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA).

A BRA is a tool that provides tax increment financial incentives to local units of government to redevelop eligible brownfield sites. Up until recently, the definition of brownfield sites included, but were not limited to, sites that are contaminated, blighted, functionally obsolete, or historic properties. In 2023, the Michigan Legislature passed legislation to include housing properties as eligible as long as the property is being developed for households earning less the 120 percent of the County’s area median income.

The Administrator's Office will be facilitating the development of the Kent County BRA Board and hopes to accept applications for eligible projects this summer.

Grant Aims to Combat Youth Violence

The Board approved a grant from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant provided by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. This grant will support the Urban League of West Michigan in its mission to reduce community violence, with a specific focus on addressing the alarming increase in juvenile crimes throughout the county. In response to this concerning trend, the Urban League of West Michigan is partnering with the Sheriff's Office to combat this issue.

"Partnering with the Urban League of West Michigan is a critical step in addressing the root causes of violence among our youth," said Sheriff Michelle LaJoye Young. "We will work together to equip our students with the skills and opportunities they need to chart a path towards a brighter future."

The grant's objectives are to support at-risk elementary, middle, and high school students in completing their remaining course requirements for high school graduation. The initiative also aims to guide these students in exploring alternative post-secondary life and career pathways. Furthermore, the grant will focus on strengthening students' interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills.

State and Federal Legislative Priorities Adopted

The Board approved its annual legislative priorities, a document that guides our advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels. The priorities encompass a wide array of issues, ranging from government finance and administration to addressing environmental contaminations like PFAS and lead. Moreover, the priorities extend to other areas such as solid waste management, securing funding for the Grand River Greenway Trail, and bolstering support for behavioral health initiatives. In accordance with our Standing Rules, the Board does not adopt nonbinding resolutions. Consequently, the identified legislative priorities focus on issues with direct, immediate, and significant impacts on County operations and services. To review the priorities, click here.

Materials Management Planning Committee Openings

There are two new vacancies on Kent County Department of Public Works' Materials Management Planning Committee. The vacancies are: Elected City/Village Representative Elected Township Representative Qualified Kent County residents may apply by completing an online account and submitting an application. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged. To apply for one of these positions, visit here. To learn more about the Materials Management Planning Committee, click here.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Highlights

The Board of Commissioners meet on the second and fourth Thursdays, providing an essential platform for engagement and insight into local developments. Active participation in these sessions, either in person or through online viewing, offers a valuable means to remain informed and connected with community matters.

Please find below a video summarizing key moments from our January Board meetings.

February 8, 2024 Meeting

Some highlights from the meeting: Presentation by The Rapid of the Transit Master Plan Resolution Passed to Accept and Appropriate Grants and Contributions to the Purchase of Development Rights for the Bradford Anderson Farm in Sparta Township Resolution Passed to Accept and Appropriate Grants and Contributions to the Purchase of Development Rights for the Bettes & Kingsbury Farm in Sparta Township

February 22, 2024 Meeting

Some highlights from the meeting: Resolution Passed to Accept the Request to Renew the Early Childhood Millage Resolution Passed to Accept Funds from the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, Through the State of Michigan, to Reduce Community Violence Resolution Passed to Approve Revisions to the Animal Shelter Fee Schedule Resolution Passed to Approve the Establishment of the Kent County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Commissioner Michelle McCloud Named New Minority Vice Chair

Upcoming Meetings

• Tuesday, March 5: Finance and Physical Resources Committee
• Thursday, March 14: Board of Commissioners Meeting
• Tuesday, March 19: Finance and Physical Resources Committee
• Tuesday, March 26: Legislative and Human Resources Committee
• Thursday, March 28: Board of Commissioners Meeting

All Board and committee meetings start at 8:30 a.m. and take place at the County Administration Building within the Board of Commissioners Chambers, unless otherwise specified.

Click here to access the meeting agenda and minutes and click here to keep apprised of any scheduling changes.