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Updates from Patrick B. Waterman
County Administrator
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Budget Meetings in Full Swing
Our office, alongside Fiscal Services, has begun meeting with individual departments and elected offices to review their submitted budget, personnel, and capital improvement requests for FY 26/27. These meetings include a report on the prior year’s approved positions and an examination of budgetary and personnel needs and priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. They have also been a great opportunity for Deputy Administrator Dissette and me to learn more about the fundamentals of each department as they relate to the county organization.
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Consumers Energy Deep Injection Well Public Hearing
We were notified this week that the EPA has begun mailing out notices for a public hearing/presentation on the proposed deep injection wells at the Campbell Plant. The hearing is scheduled for July 23rd at the Midtown Center in Holland (96 W. 15th Street, Holland, MI 49423). The EPA will be available from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The Public Hearing will commence at 7:30 and is scheduled to end at 9:30pm.
Consumers Energy has indicated that they intend to host their own information session the week before EPA engagement, with details likely to be forthcoming toward the end of next week. That meeting will be held in Port Sheldon Twp.
OCWR and Volunteers Team Up to Clean Up
On May 13th, Ottawa County Water Resources held its fourth volunteer drain cleanup event, removing 12 50-gallon bags of trash from three-quarters of a mile of the No. 28 and No. 9 Drains, direct tributaries of the Macatawa River. This year, a new partner, the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce, joined the effort by participating in their Community Impact Day. During this event, collectively over 3,000 volunteers worked throughout Ottawa County and the surrounding areas to help improve our community.
The most important aspect of OCWR hosting these events is its relationship with its partners and volunteers. In 2024, the office was awarded a MiCorps Volunteer Stream Cleanup Program Grant. This provided $1,240 to purchase essential materials, including trash bags, buckets, gloves, volunteer T-shirts, and more. Community partners such as Arrowaste, Plummers disposal, Outdoor Discovery Center, and Ottawa County Parks also generously donate dumpsters, portable restrooms, waders, grabbers, advertising, and more.
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Harbor Transit Extends Service to the Ottawa County Fillmore Campus
Harbor Transit is launching a pilot program to extend service to the Ottawa County Fillmore Campus in West Olive, improving access for individuals who do not have reliable ways to reach critical appointments and government services. Harbor Transit has extended service to and from the Fillmore Campus from July 1, 2026, until July 1, 2028. The rides will be free until December 31, 2026. A training for Ottawa County staff is set for June 24 at 11AM. Employees will learn how to navigate the transit system so they can better assist customers and explain how to use the program.
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Celebrating 250 Years of Independence
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Ottawa County is honoring the milestone by installing light pole banners (pictured) throughout the main driveway of the Filmore Campus. The banners will be installed in early July and remain through the summer. We invite all to pause and reflect on our nation’s past and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
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Thoughts and Prayers for Two Community Leaders
As some of you may be aware, longtime Zeeland City Manager Tim Klunder has been fighting cancer since late 2021. Tim is currently in the hospital in Grand Rapids, battling a serious infection, following more recent difficult news that he may be reaching the end of medical treatment. Earlier this week, a colleague texted Tim and asked if he would like others to have an update on his condition. In true Tim fashion, he responded, “Feel free to let people know. We take all prayers, words of comfort and encouragement.”
Finally, as I previously shared with the Board, former Ottawa County Drain Commissioner Paul Geerlings passed away unexpectedly this week. Paul was elected to the position in 1998 and served Ottawa County for 12 years with dedication and commitment. His contribution to our community will be remembered by many. Memorial visitation for Paul will be held at Faith Reformed Church in Zeeland on June 27 from 10:00 to 12:00. A funeral service will follow from 12:00 to 1:00 with lunch afterward.
Please keep Tim Klunder, Paul Geerlings, and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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Art Trust Exhibition Open House Reception & Awards
Tuesday, June 23 – 4:00 pm, Ottawa County Administration Building
Hawthorn Park + Middle Macatawa Connector Trail Dedication
Tuesday, June 23 – 4:00 pm, Hawthorn Park
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“Relationships feed on credibility, honesty, and consistency.” - Scott Borchetta
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