Oakland County commissioners awarded nine women with a special honor at the March 24 full Board meeting. 

The Women’s History Month Award, which was new for 2022 and spearheaded by Commissioner Angela Powell (D-Pontiac), was created to recognize women for making an impact in their community. Those awarded include: 

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to recognize April 2022 as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Oakland County at its meeting on March 24. Introduced by Commissioner Eileen T. Kowall (R-White Lake), the resolution acknowledges the life-threatening impacts of distracted driving and encourages all motorists to commit to safe driving behaviors.  

According to AAA’s 2017 traffic safety culture index, 96.8 percent of respondents view texting or emailing while driving as a serious threat, however 44.9 percent also reported that they had read a text message or email while driving within the last month of taking the survey. This comparison marks a difference between how drivers feel about distracted driving and their actions. 

By designating a month to raise awareness of distracted driving, the Board aims to educate Oakland County residents about the importance of remaining focused while operating a vehicle. Motorists can agree to “Just Drive” by signing the National Safety Council’s annual pledge, which is available on its website.  

In addition to promoting the pledge, the Board has planned an awareness campaign around the county campus and in the community to discourage distracted driving. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/38iVBoL.   

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has partnered with the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) to launch the Oxford Community Mental Health Services Copay and Deductible Program for those directly impacted by the shooting that occurred at Oxford High School on November 30, 2021. 

Oxford students and their families (households), as well as school administrators and staff, can apply for up to $2,000 in assistance for insurance co-pay, deductible or service payments associated with mental health care. OCHN manages and facilitates the distribution of the funds. 

Proof of payment for insurance copays, deductibles or services provided by a qualified mental health professional is required to apply. Eligible service examples include psychiatry, psychological testing, psychological assessment, family therapy, or individual counseling or psychotherapy. Individuals can apply for insurance co-pay, deductible or mental health service payment assistance online at bit.ly/OCHNOxfrdGrntApp or by calling 248-464-6363.  

Oakland County has received top honors in financial reporting. 

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) awarded Certificates of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the county for its Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the 30th straight year and its Fiscal Year 2020 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for 24 years in a row. 

The ACFR and PAFR are one of the many ways Oakland County remains transparent and accountable to residents and taxpayers. The ACFR discloses the county's finances in full detail to anyone who wants to review them, particularly those investing in the county. The PAFR provides a summary of the county's finances in a format that everyone can understand. 

Oakland County is a leader in financial transparency, and several reports, from the budget to monthly financial reports, are available on its fiscal website at www.oakgov.com/fiscal.  

NoHaz, Oakland County's consortium of 17 communities that provide residents with a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible way to dispose of household hazardous waste, has scheduled four collection events from April through September.  

NoHaz is comprised of the following communities: Addison, Brandon, Groveland, Independence, Oakland, Orion, Oxford, Springfield, Rose and Waterford townships; the Village of Oxford; and the cities of Lake Angelus, Lake Orion, Leonard, Ortonville, Pontiac and Rochester. Residents of the 17 NoHaz communities may dispose of their household hazardous waste free of charge, or for a nominal $10 or $15 fee, depending on the community.  

Oakland County residents who do not reside in a NoHaz community may dispose of approved materials at any collection event for a $75 fee or contact their city, village or township for information on other waste-disposal programs. 

Oakland County residents can get a free rabies vaccine for their canine with the purchase of a dog license at the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center in Pontiac 9-11:30 a.m. every Tuesday in April. No appointment is necessary. 

If a dog is spayed or neutered, a dog license costs $15 for one year or $40 for three years. For a dog that is not spayed or neutered, those fees rise to $25 or $70, respectively. The three-year license requires a three-year rabies vaccine, and pet owners must bring proof of a prior rabies vaccination to get the three-year vaccine. Michigan law requires licenses for all dogs as a public health measure to ensure dogs have their rabies vaccines. For more information, go to www.oakgov.com/petadoption or call 248-858-1070. 

Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) is hiring for a wide variety of seasonal jobs and will be hosting two job fairs in April to connect prospective parks workers with the resources they need to apply. 

Those interested can apply today and secure an opportunity to make a difference in the community, gain valuable employment experience and work in a safe, clean, fun and supportive environment. 

OCPR hiring for all 14 county parks, including five golf courses, two campgrounds, two waterparks, three dog parks and Holly Oaks ORV Park. Positions are also available with Recreation Programs and Services, which offers programming for children and adults, and operates mobile recreation opportunities like inflatable bouncers, a zipline, games, a climbing tower, an archery range and more. 

Salaries start at $12.63/hour for individuals ages 16 and older and training is provided for all positions, including waterpark lifeguards. Flexible part-time work schedules allow staff to balance other priorities while meeting new people, gaining valuable experience, and having a positive impact on their community.  

OCPR is also hosting two job fairs from 4 to 7 p.m. on April 6 and 21 at the Waterford Oaks Lookout Lodge (1702 Scott Lake Road). For more information, visit www.OakGov.com/jobs.  

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners website, Facebook page, YouTube channel and commissioner newsletters are great ways for residents to stay engaged. 

Individuals who follow the Board at @oakgov.boc on Facebook will see photos from events and information from around the county. Those who subscribe to the Board’s YouTube channel can receive notifications when Board meetings are live and easily find recent videos. The channel can be found by going to YouTube and searching for the “Oakland County Board of Commissioners” or going to bit.ly/YouTubeBOC.  

Constituents can also find Board and committee meetings and access the latest news, meeting calendars, information about each commissioner and more by visiting www.oakgov.com/boc.