New Committee to Explore Financial Transparency and Innovation
Our Board Chair Ben Greene has established the Financial Transparency and Innovation Committee to explore new ways to share County financial information and build on the County’s strong financial management.
The committee will consider how technology can make detailed financial records easier to explore and use. Its work will focus on providing public access to those records, helping residents find answers independently. The committee will also consider opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Commissioner Matt Kallman will serve as chair, joined by Vice Chair Robin Halsted and Commissioner Michelle McCloud. County finance and technology staff will provide technical support, and Treasurer Peter MacGregor has been invited to lend his expertise.
Once its review is complete, the committee will submit its recommendations to Chair Greene. Click here to review the committee’s charge.
A Crunch Worth Celebrating!
Several commissioners recently took a bite out of the 2026 Michigan Apple Crunch with fresh apples from J & J Orchards, Commissioner Morse’s family apple farm! Celebrating National Farm to School Month, they joined people across Michigan in enjoying locally grown apples while supporting local farmers and healthy eating.
Want to hear what all the crunch is about? Watch the short video for a little apple-crunch fun!
There’s more growing in Kent County! Our latest Agricultural Preservation newsletter features a new tool connecting landowners with hunters, agritourism grant opportunities, and stories celebrating our agricultural heritage and innovation.
Pictured (left to right): Commissioners Katie DeBoer, Elizabeth Morse, Dan Burrill, Kris Pachla, Ben Greene, Stan Stek, Walter Bujak, Carol Hennessy, and Dave Hildenbrand
Board Approves Building Purchase to Meet Long-Term Court Service Needs
The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of 300 Ottawa Ave. NW in downtown Grand Rapids, providing space for court-related services and room for future growth.
Located near the courthouse, the 138,000-square-foot building will accommodate approximately 250 employees from the Prosecutor’s Office, Friend of the Court, Circuit Court Probation and Network180 who will relocate from 82 Ionia Ave. NW. The property also provides 154 additional parking spaces for County staff and tenants.
The investment includes an $18.5 million purchase price and an estimated $15 million in renovations, funded through the County’s Strategic Capital Fund. Established in 2015, the fund sets aside funding for future capital needs to reduce borrowing for large projects. Related budget amendments will come before the Board over the next month.
Renovations are expected to begin in approximately six months and take about six months to complete, with a goal of relocating staff by the end of 2027. The move will also allow the County to pursue its longstanding plan to sell 82 Ionia through a competitive bidding process inviting creative uses that benefit the community.
“This is about planning ahead and making thoughtful use of County resources,” said County Administrator/Controller Al Vanderberg. “We’re creating room for services our residents rely on while opening the door to new possibilities for 82 Ionia.”
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Board Chair Ben Greene Recognizes Local Libraries
 Local libraries took center stage during October’s Library Appreciation Month as Board Chair Ben Greene joined library leaders to celebrate their important role in our communities.
At an event hosted by Kent District Library in Comstock Park, Chair Greene presented a proclamation recognizing how public libraries help residents learn, explore new ideas, and access information and resources. Representatives from Kent District Library, Grand Rapids Public Library, Sparta Carnegie Township Library, and Cedar Springs Public Library were honored for their service to residents.
The proclamation will be displayed at library branches throughout the area.
 Board of Commissioners Meeting Highlights
The Board of Commissioners generally meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Attend in person or watch via livestream to stay informed about County decisions and issues affecting our community.
Below are videos summarizing key moments from our October Board meetings:
October 8, 2026 Meeting
- Invocation by Commissioner Jennifer Merchant
- Special Order of Business: Sheriff's Office Swearing In Ceremony
- Special Order of Business: 17th Circuit Court Annual Report - Andy Thalhammer, Circuit Court Administrator
- Special Order of Business: Friend of the Court Annual Report - Traci Schenkel, Friend of the Court
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Contracting Policy
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Donations, Sponsorships, Memorials, and Recognition Policy
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Grants Policy
- Resolution Passed to Approve the MDOT - Master Agreement Signature Authority
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October 22, 2026 Meeting
- Invocation by Commissioner Stan Stek
- Special Order of Business: Employee Recognition for Quality Service - Austin Schian, Health Department and and Deputy Steve Ophoff, Sheriff’s Office
- Resolution Passed to Approve the 2026 Apportionment Report
- Resolution Passed to Approve the Purchase of 300 Ottawa Ave. NW in downtown Grand Rapids
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County Recognizes Roger Haller as 2026 Veteran of the Year
Roger Haller was honored as Kent County’s 2026 Veteran of the Year on October 8, with Board Chair Ben Greene speaking at the event, which highlighted Haller's dedicated service to fellow veterans and the broader community.
Haller, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1983 to 2013, was selected from 14 nominees for his dedication to helping veterans access resources, build connections and find support. He serves as a VFW benefits officer, organizes a weekly coffee gathering for veterans, hosts an annual golf outing to raise funds for veterans, and coordinates American flag distributions to local families ahead of Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.
Congratulations to Roger Haller, and thank you to all 14 nominees for their service and continued commitment to our veteran community!
Upcoming Meetings
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: Finance & Infrastructure Committee
- Thursday, Nov. 5: Board of Commissioners Meeting
- Tuesday, Nov. 10: Policy & Operations Committee
- Tuesday, Nov. 17: Finance & Infrastructure Committee
- Thursday, Nov. 19: Board of Commissioners Meeting
- Tuesday, Nov. 24: Policy & Operations Committee
All Board and committee meetings start at 8:30 a.m. at the County Administration Building within the Board of Commissioners Chambers, unless otherwise specified. Meeting agendas and minutes can be viewed online. Before attending, please check the website for the latest meeting dates, times and locations.
Commissioner Ponstein Connects With Durham County Leaders
Commissioner Stan Ponstein was invited by Durham County Commissioner Wendy Jacobs to participate in their City to City event in Durham, North Carolina. During the luncheon, Ponstein joined local leaders to share a few remarks and take part in a conversation about local government and the connections between communities.
Pictured are Commissioner Ponstein, Commissioner Jacobs, and the Mayor of Durham, highlighting the relationships that can grow through these types of exchanges and shared conversations about serving their communities.
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Connecting With Our Community
Kent County commissioners, Sheriff Bryan Muir and County staff joined community partners at recent events recognizing service, supporting local organizations and celebrating the arts.
Commissioner Nancy Morales attended Vive Michigan Magazine’s 25 Most Influential Latinos of 2026 celebration, where Kent County Community Action Director Gustavo Perez was among those honored.
Commissioners Robert S. Womack, Dave Hildenbrand, Robin Halstead and Nancy Morales joined other local and state leaders at the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Legislative & Judiciary Night on October 9. The evening celebrated great music and the Symphony’s contributions to West Michigan’s cultural, educational and economic vitality.
Commissioner Melissa LaGrand attended Disability Advocates of Kent County’s Invest in Ability event, which highlighted efforts to remove barriers and empower people with disabilities to lead full, self-directed lives.
Thank you to these organizations and their supporters for their contributions to Kent County!
Around The County
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