Kent County's Strategic Investment in Opioid Crisis Mitigation
The Board of Commissioners has started reviewing a spending plan for the first two years of investments from the opioid settlement funds. The next discussion will occur at the Legislative and Human Resources Committee meeting on July 16, followed by the full Board of Commissioners meeting on July 18.
These funds come from nationwide lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies. The settlements, distributed to states and allocated to counties and municipalities, aim to mitigate the epidemic's impact.
Kent County is slated to receive over $12 million through 2038 from the settlements. Our proposed two-year spending plan focuses on evidence-based strategies to reduce opioid misuse, overdose deaths, and support recovery efforts. However, County departments will continue to collaborate with public health experts, community organizations, and other stakeholders to assess evolving needs and adjust strategies accordingly.
Please reach out to your Commmissioner if you have any questions regarding the proposed spending plan.
2024 Q1 ARPA Report
The 2024 ARPA Report for Q1 is now available, providing detailed updates on multiple projects! You can view it here.
Notably, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Behavioral Health Crisis Center, projected to open soon to the public, and the groundbreaking for the West Michigan Construction Institute recently took place. It's exciting to see the realization of these projects and other initiatives, and the positive impact they are poised to have on the community.
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Public Hearing on Proposed 2025 Budget
A public hearing on the County's proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. in the Board of Commissioners Chambers.
This hearing provides an opportunity for residents to provide comments on the proposed budget. Written comments can also be submitted to publiccomment@kentcountymi.gov.
This hearing is an important part of the budget approval process, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the financial planning of Kent County for the upcoming year.
Commissioners' Board Meeting Highlights
The Board of Commissioners meet on the second and fourth Thursdays. Engaging in these meetings, whether attending in person or via livestream, provides an opportunity to stay updated and engaged with issues affecting the community.
Below are videos summarizing key moments from our June Board meetings:
June 13, 2024 Meeting
Some meeting highlights:
- Special Order of Business: Road Commission Annual Report by Jerry Byrne, Managing Director
- Resolution Passed to Adopt Kent County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Bylaws
- Resolution Passed to Amend Comprehensive Agreement with MDHHS for Essential Local Health Services Funding
- Resolution Passed to Amend Fire Commission Budget
- Resolution Passed to Assign the Fuller Campus Capital Improvement Project to Kent County Building Authority
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June 27, 2024 Meeting
Some highlights from the meeting:
- Special Orders of Business: Annual Report Presentations by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, Experience Grand Rapids, and the Sports Commission
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Administrator/Controller Employment Agreement
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Property Development Rights Grant and Contributions for the Norman Property
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Remodel Capital Improvement Program for the South Clinic
- Resolution Passed to Approve the FY 2023 Homeland Security Grant and Budget Amendment
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Celebrating Our Heroes: Kent County Honors Memorial Day and Female Veterans
 Over the past two months, we have had the privilege of presenting proclamations to honor those who have served our country.
Prior to Memorial Day, we presented a proclamation in the Board Chambers to honor the memory of the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. This proclamation urged Kent County residents to join the United Veterans Council in observing Memorial Day by participating in the Veterans Memorial Park celebration on May 25, 2024.
Additionally, Commissioner DeBoer celebrated female veterans at a special event held at John Ball Zoo. Among the speakers were Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young and Lorrena D. Black, U.S. Army Major and VP of Leadership Development at Inforum. Their powerful messages underscored the contributions and sacrifices of female veterans in our community.
These events reflect our ongoing commitment to recognizing and honoring the courage and dedication of our military personnel. We invite community members to contact their County Commissioner if they have a special event or achievement they would like to be recognized.
Upcoming Meetings
- Tuesday, July 9: Finance and Physical Resources Committee
- Tuesday, July 16: Legislative and Human Resources Committee
- Thursday, July 18: Board of Commissioners Meeting
- Tuesday, Aug. 6: Finance and Physical Resources Committee
- Thursday, Aug. 8: 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.
Independence Day Office Closure Notice
As we approach Independence Day, we want to remind everyone that all County offices and Health Clinics will be closed on Thursday, July 4. Offices will resume regular operations on Friday, July 5.
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