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My first two weeks as County Administrator have been exceedingly busy and equally satisfying. They have been a whirlwind schedule of meetings with department heads and county elected officials, including the county prosecutor, our district and circuit court judges, fiscal services, our great sheriff, parks and recreation, the treasurer, and many others.
Thanks to your prayers and support, we’re establishing great collaboration and rapport as we work together to move Ottawa forward, together with you, our great residents. I’m excited for what lies ahead.
John Gibbs | County Administrator
The following articles are curated from various departments over recent weeks:
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The preliminary unemployment rates for November 2022 were recently released by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. Ottawa County’s unemployment rate for November measured 2.8%. This rate is the third lowest in Michigan for November, with unemployment rates ranging from 2.1% in Livingston County to 10.7% in Mackinac County.
Thirty-six Michigan counties, including Ottawa County, saw their unemployment rates decrease from October to November, while rates increased in thirty-seven counties and remained unchanged in ten counties.
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Ottawa County was honored to have two offices recognized with Social Justice Awards from the City of Holland's Human Relations Commission:
- The Office of the Public Defender
- The Department of Public Health - Miles of Smiles Program
Social Justice Awards recognize individuals and organizations that exemplify equal opportunity and equal access for all residents in Housing, Education, Government/Community Relations, Health Services, Youth and Lifetime Achievement.
The Office of the Public Defender was honored for their work. The Public Defender assisted over 100 individuals expunge eligible criminal convictions. Ottawa County understands that some residents have made mistakes in their pasts, have served their sentences, and are on roads to better lives. Criminal records can put obstacles in paths for such residents and their families. Expungement can ease that burden so these residents can more easily find jobs, housing and other opportunities.
The Department of Public Health's Miles of Smiles has provided dental care for 27 years, to underserved, financially-qualifying children. To date, the program has provided over 37,000 patient encounters, 22,000 fillings and 21,000 sealants reducing dental disease by 37%.
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At its first meeting in January, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners established the meeting days and times for the full Board as well as the standing committee meetings. To allow for increased engagement from the residents, an evening Board Meeting has been added. The full schedule is:
Board Meetings
- 2nd Tuesday of each month at 9AM
- 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM
- Due to a scheduling conflict the February 14 Board meeting has been moved to February 16.
Planning & Policy Committee
- 1st Tuesday of each month at 9AM
- Due to the holiday, the July 4 P&P meeting has been moved to July 6.
Finance & Administration Committee
- 1st Tuesday of each month at 10AM
- Due to the holiday, the July 4 F&A meeting has been moved to July 6.
Health & Human Services Committee
- 3rd Tuesday of each month at 9AM
Talent & Recruitment Committee
- 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10AM
Details
- All of the meetings take place at the County Administration Building in the Board Room at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive.
- All of the meetings begin and end with opportunities for the public to comment.
- All of the meetings are streamed live on YouTube.
- Viewers may comment at the full Board Meeting online through the "Participate Virtually" link on miOttawa.org.
Ottawa County recently mailed the winter 2023 Ottawa Way Newsletter to residents. We would appreciate your honest feedback on this edition and the previous two mailings of the newsletter. The previous issues were sent in winter 2022 and summer 2022. The survey is just THREE questions! Haven't seen it yet - or not a resident? Check it out online.
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This homeownership seminar from MSU Extension will provide you with valuable information about the home buying process. There are several dates to choose from. Pre-Registration is required. Register and learn more:
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