Kalamazoo County - Board of Commissioners

Kalamazoo County - Board of Commissioners - October 20, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 3 hours ago

The Board considers a resolution amendment for the childcare millage collection, debating whether to move the collection to winter to align with other mills, which could impact the budget. Additionally, the Board approves a new inmate communication services contract with Viapath, reducing costs for communication services in the county jail. The Board also adopts the county's budget for the upcoming fiscal year after significant discussion. Other agenda items include a proclamation for National Infant Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month and recognition of Operation Green Light to support veterans. Public comments highlight concerns about conflicts of interest and express appreciation for the support of housing repairs through Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:00)
The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners' regular business meeting is called to order.

The meeting is officially started by the chair, marking the beginning of the proceedings for the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners' regular business meeting.
Adjournment to Committee of the Whole (00:00:11)
The regular business meeting is adjourned to convene the Committee of the Whole.

The chair adjourns the regular business meeting to immediately reconvene as the Committee of the Whole for further discussion items.
Resolution Amendment for Childcare Millage Question (00:00:39)
Discussion on amending the resolution regarding the collection of the childcare millage from summer to winter.

The commission discusses an amendment to the previously approved resolution on the childcare millage question. Traditionally, taxes are collected in summer, but discussion revolves around moving collection to winter. This change could affect budgeting and implementation timelines.
Roll Call (00:20:19)
Roll call is conducted to establish the presence of commissioners.

Each commissioner announces their presence, confirming attendance for the meeting. Nine commissioners are present, as noted by the clerk.
Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance (00:20:42)
An invocation is given followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioner Gisler delivers an invocation focusing on guidance and community focus. The assembly then recites the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.
Proclamation Honoring National Infant Safe Sleep Month (00:23:00)
The board approves a proclamation for National Infant Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month.

A proclamation is moved and supported to honor National Infant Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month, with commissioners discussing its importance before voting to approve.
Public Hearing on FOIA Appeal (00:28:38)
A public hearing is held on a FOIA appeal with written testimony received.

The board holds a public hearing on a FOIA appeal submitted by a petitioner, who provided written testimony that was considered. The hearing concludes as the testimony was already submitted in writing.
Approval of Minutes (00:31:42)
Minutes from previous meetings are approved by the board.

The board reviews and approves the minutes from the committee of the whole and regular meeting minutes as submitted.
Approval of Agenda (00:32:14)
The agenda for the meeting is approved with amendments.

The board discusses and approves the agenda for the meeting. Amendments are made, including moving items from the consent agenda to the non-consent agenda for further discussion.
Public Comments (00:34:01)
Public comments are invited from attendees on any topic, with a few speakers addressing the board.

Community members are given the opportunity to address the board. Comments include issues on conflict of interest, gratitude for funding, and other community concerns. Each speaker is given three minutes.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:38:48)
The consent agenda is approved by roll call vote.

The board votes to approve the consent agenda as amended, encompassing various routine items that do not require separate discussion.
Adoption of Apportionment Report (00:40:02)
The board approves the apportionment report effective upon board approval.

A motion is made and supported to approve the apportionment report, which is then passed by roll call vote.
Adoption of Resolution to Apportion Ad Valorem Taxes (00:41:16)
Ad valorem taxes are apportioned by board resolution.

The board adopts a resolution to apportion ad valorem taxes, as outlined in the resolution, through a roll call vote.
Approval of Recommended Budget (00:42:17)
The board discusses and approves the budget with amendments.

The recommended budget for Kalamazoo County is discussed, with amendments proposed and debated. The budget is then approved with the agreed-upon amendments, with future discussions planned for further adjustments.
Approval of Intergovernmental Contract with Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health (00:52:53)
Discussion and approval of a contract with Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health, with conflict of interest noted by a commissioner.

The board discussed approving an intergovernmental contract with Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health. One commissioner identified a conflict of interest due to being an employee of the organization and stepped aside for the discussion and vote. The motion was moved by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler and supported by Commissioner Wheeler, and the contract was approved by a roll call vote.
Approval of Inmate Communication Services Contract with Viapath (01:02:02)
Approval of a new contract with Viapath for inmate communication services, aimed at reducing costs and improving services.

The board received community feedback about high costs for inmate communication services, leading to a renegotiation of the contract with Viapath. The new contract includes cost reductions and additional free communication and educational services. The motion to approve the contract was made by Commissioner Wheeler and supported by Vice Chair Pro Tem Heppler, passing with seven yes votes.
Approval of Resolution for Clerk Register of Deeds Position (01:16:27)
Motion to adjust the Clerk Register of Deeds position to a new pay band and step, ensuring future salary adjustments.

Commissioner Wheeler made a motion to move the Clerk Register of Deeds position to the K band at step one, which provides room for future salary adjustments. The motion was supported by Commissioner DeLeeuw and passed with six yes votes.
Public Comment on Inmate Communication Services (01:20:21)
Public comments expressing gratitude for reduced costs in inmate communication services and seeking further transparency.

Community members expressed gratitude for the reduced rates in the new inmate communication services contract and asked for further transparency regarding potential financial benefits from the contract, such as technology grants and revenue from communication services. They also suggested that individuals leaving the jail should receive notification about recovering any remaining balances in their communication accounts.
Discussion on Budget and Financial Matters (01:29:02)
Commissioners discussed the importance of addressing economic inequality and the need for cost of living adjustments for county employees.

The board discussed the ongoing budget process and the need to address economic inequality by ensuring county employees receive appropriate cost of living adjustments. Commissioners expressed a commitment to making employees whole despite economic challenges, acknowledging the impact of inflation and economic pressures on staff.
Discussion on the Meeting with Michigan Association of Counties (01:30:04)
Encouragement for commissioners to attend the Michigan Association of Counties meeting to learn from other counties and improve effectiveness.

The speaker expressed a strong desire for fellow commissioners to join the Michigan Association of Counties meeting, emphasizing the benefits of learning from other counties' successes and failures to enhance their own county's operations. The goal is to foster pride among Kalamazoo employees and improve the county's effectiveness.
Acknowledgment of Employees and Public Servants (01:31:02)
Recognition of the hard work and dedication of county employees, military, law enforcement, and emergency services.

The speaker extended gratitude to all county employees, including administrative staff, law enforcement, firemen, and military personnel, for their dedication and service. Special acknowledgment was given to their role in maintaining community safety and responding to recent emergencies. The importance of showing appreciation for their efforts was highlighted.
Budget Adoption and Future Work (01:34:22)
The budget was adopted with acknowledgment of ongoing work and dialogue needed to continue improvements.

The administration thanked the board for adopting the budget, recognizing the significant work accomplished while noting that further dialogue and efforts are needed to continue advancing the county's financial and operational goals.
Election and Voter Participation Discussion (01:36:00)
Emphasis on the importance of voter participation in upcoming elections and reminders of voting opportunities.

The discussion focused on encouraging voter turnout for the upcoming elections, highlighting the low participation in previous elections and urging citizens to take advantage of early voting opportunities. The importance of exercising the democratic right to vote was stressed, and the board's commitment to facilitating voter engagement was reaffirmed.
Adjournment (01:38:41)
The meeting was adjourned, thanking everyone for their hard work and participation.

The chair officially adjourned the meeting, expressing gratitude to all participants for their contributions and efforts throughout the session. The next meeting's change of schedule was reiterated, ensuring members are aware of the new date.