Kent County Board of Commissioners Newsletter - July 2024

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Opioid Settlement Spending Plan Adopted

At our last meeting, the Board approved a two-year spending plan for the opioid settlement funds allocated to Kent County.

The funding comes from nationwide lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies. Kent County is set to receive a total of $19,075,917 in variable annual payments through 2038 as part of the settlement agreements. To date, Kent County has received $4,698,866 in funding.

The plan's recommendations were informed by opioid data from the Kent County Health Department, the priorities set by the Kent County Opioid Task Force, and insights from the Overdose Fatality Review of Kent County. The funding areas include:

• Expanding recovery coach services for those who dropped out of treatment and are at high risk of overdose: $200,000 per year
• Increasing funding for jail-based treatment programs to reduce the high prevalence of overdose after release from incarceration: $400,000 per year
• Enhancing community distribution of naloxone as a tool to reverse overdose: $30,000 per year
• Improving access to harm reduction tools, including fentanyl test strips: $10,000 per year
• Broadening evidence-based prevention curricula for middle and high school students: $125,000 in the second year

The first use of settlement dollars is a crucial first step that will further support the County's efforts and those impacted by this crisis, providing essential resources and assistance. County departments will continue to collaborate with community stakeholders to assess evolving needs and adjust strategies accordingly. Click here to learn more about the plan. 

New Office of Public Defender To Be Established

The Board approved a new county Office of the Public Defender. The County currently contracts with an outside organization and private attorneys to provide representation for indigent adults.

In 2013, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) was created to develop and oversee defense services for all indigent adults (MCL §780.981 et seq.). The State subsequently transferred the responsibility of implementation to court funding units, including counties, and provided a majority of the operating funds to support these efforts. Over the last six years, the County has implemented the mandated standards, monitored their effectiveness, and absorbed valuable lessons from the statewide implementation process. 

To further assess our indigent defense services, County Administration comissioned the National Association for Public Defense to conduct a comprehensive assessment of current operations. The report, finalized in early 2024, identified several areas to improve the administration of indigent defense services and recommended a transition to a new county Office of the Public Defender.

Based on the findings in the report, County Administrator Al Vanderberg decided to terminate the contract with the outside organization currently providing these services and recommended to the Board of Commissioners the implementation of a county Office of the Public Defender.

As discussed in the board meeting, this was a difficult decision for Commissioners; some were concerned about the growing size of government, while others were worried about the lack of independence. Although there were no ideal options, the Board passed the resolution to create a new county office becasue it will ensure consistent and enhanced quality representation, increase transparency, and be more cost-effective.

New Domestic Violence Specialty Court Launched to Address Rising Cases

In response to the alarming increase in the number and severity of domestic violence cases in recent years, a new Domestic Violence Specialty Court will be launched soon in Kent County. This initiative includes two dedicated courts with Judge Jennifer Faber presiding in the 61st District Court in Grand Rapids and Judge Amanda Sterkenburg overseeing cases in the 62B District Court in Kentwood.

The primary goal of this new court system is to hold offenders accountable while providing comprehensive support to victims. The establishment of the Domestic Violence Specialty Court was a collaborative effort formed by the Doemestic Violence Action Network (DVAN) with the input of law enforcement, domestic violence survivors, attorneys, and support organizations.

The Board of Commissioners allocated $4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support the DVAN in the formation of this court, emphasizing the importance of addressing domestic violence in the community.

"We are pleased to see another ARPA-funded project moving forward and poised to make an impactful difference in our community," stated Board Chair Stan Stek. "This initiative reflects our commitment to improving the safety and well-being of Kent County residents by providing a specialized approach to handling domestic violence cases."

Childcare Task Force Convened 

The Board implemented a Childcare Task Force to assess "the childcare challenges in Kent County and the spectrum of strategies and funding sources available to improve access to and quality of childcare services." This task force originated from the Ready by Five millage renewal discussion earlier this year. The work will begin soon and be completed by October 1, 2025. Click here to view the charge and committee members.

Commissioners' Board Meeting Highlights

The Board of Commissioners generally meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. 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 is a video summarizing key moments from our July Board meeting:

July 18, 2024 Meeting

Some meeting highlights: Special Order of Business: Sheriff’s Office Annual Report - Law Enforcement and Support Services; Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young and Undersheriff Bryan Muir Resolution Passed on Indigent Defense Positions and Independence Policy and Council  Resolution Passed to Approve City of Grand Rapids Contribution to Support the West Michigan Welcome Plan Resolution Passed to Adopt a Spay/ Neuter Good Faith Deposit to Fee Schedule Resolution Passed to Approve the Balk Family Park Capital Improvement Program Resolution Passed to Approve Kent County Draft Opioid Settlement Spending Plan for Years 1 and 2 Resolution Passed to Adopt Capital Improvement Program Policy Resolution Passed to Approve West Michigan Regional Planning Commission Membership Resolution Passed to Approve the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan’s FY 2025 Annual Implementation Plan

Around The County

• Community Action and the Health Department announced new income eligibility requirements for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and WIC.
• Kent County Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Posthumus Lyons monthly newsletter is packed with important information to help you exercise your right to vote. Click here to sign up and stay informed!
• The Health Department has identified West Nile and Jamestown Canyon viruses in recent mosquito surveillance and provided tips to protect you and your family from mosquito bites.
• Treasurer Pete MacGregor has developed a step-by-step guide in English and Spanish to help you claim your proceeds if your property was auctioned for more than owed in back taxes.

Upcoming Meetings

• Tuesday, Aug. 6: Finance and Physical Resources Committee
• Thursday, Aug. 8: Board of Commissioners Meeting - Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
• Tuesday, Aug. 13: Legislative and Human Resources Committee
• Tuesday, Aug. 20: Finance and Physical Resources Committee
• Thursday, Aug. 22: 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.