Kalamazoo County - July 15, 2025 Board of Commissioners Meeting

Updated 2 days ago

The County Board of Commissioners convenes to address several key issues, including the staffing and recruitment challenges faced by the Sheriff's Office. The board discusses expanding hiring bonuses for corrections deputies, clerks, and food service specialists, funded by ARPA allocations. The County Bounty program is approved to incentivize employee referrals. In public comments, concerns are raised about the Region 5 Healthcare Coalition's management of emergency equipment. The meeting also highlights upcoming initiatives like childcare support programs and severe weather preparedness. The board stresses the importance of improving wages and working conditions to retain county employees.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:35)
The meeting of the Board of Commissioners is officially called to order.

The Chair calls the regular business meeting of the Board of Commissioners to order, signaling the start of the meeting's proceedings.
Invocation and Reflection (00:00:44)
Vice Chair Taylor leads the invocation, offering thanks and asking for guidance.

Vice Chair Taylor leads the meeting in an invocation, thanking the Creator for gathering everyone and asking for wisdom and guidance during the meeting. The invocation emphasizes respect and working towards positive outcomes.
Roll Call (00:01:39)
The clerk conducts roll call with eight commissioners present.

The clerk calls the roll of commissioners to confirm attendance. Commissioners Morales, Ray, Res, Taylor, Wheeler, and others are marked present, totaling eight in attendance.
Proclamations (00:02:12)
No proclamations are scheduled for consideration at this meeting.

The Chair notes that there are no proclamations scheduled for consideration or presentation at this meeting, moving swiftly on to the next agenda item.
Communications (00:02:17)
The Information Technology Department's annual report is acknowledged.

The Chair brings up communications, noting that the Information Technology Department has provided its annual report for the commissioners' review, recognizing the work of internal departments and housing efforts.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:52)
Minutes from previous meetings are approved by motion and vote.

A motion is made by Vice Chair Taylor to approve the minutes of the whole and regular meetings. The motion is supported by Vice Chair Prom Heppler. After a brief discussion, the minutes are approved unanimously by voice vote.
Approval of Agenda (00:03:13)
The agenda for the meeting is approved as presented.

A motion is made to approve the agenda as presented, supported by Commissioner Wheeler. The board votes unanimously in favor, officially setting the agenda for the meeting.
Public Comment (00:03:37)
Public comments are heard, addressing issues like healthcare coalition concerns.

During the public comment period, Josh Master Brook, an emergency physician and firefighter, raises concerns about the Region Five Healthcare Coalition, including issues with a medical support unit and disposal of PPE. The board acknowledges the concerns.
Consent Agenda (00:09:26)
Consent agenda items are approved collectively by a single vote.

A motion is made by Commissioner Ulu, supported by Vice Chair Prom Heppler, to approve the consent agenda as printed, with all items to be voted on collectively. The motion carries with unanimous approval.
Unfinished Business (00:10:15)
No unfinished business to address at this meeting.

The Chair notes that there are no items of unfinished business or general orders to address during this meeting, allowing the meeting to proceed to new business.
Request for ARPA Funding Reallocation (00:10:25)
Discussion on reallocating ARPA funds for hiring bonuses and recruitment incentives.

The board discusses a proposal to reallocate ARPA funds for a program to recruit and retain sheriff's office staff, including deputies, corrections clerks, and food service specialists. The program aims to address staffing shortages and burnout.
Discussion on Wage Improvements and Jail Environment (00:31:16)
Discussion focused on the need to improve wages for deputies and corrections staff to ensure a livable wage, and highlighted the inadequacies of the current jail environment.

The discussion emphasized significant advancements made in wages, but noted they are still below a livable wage. It was suggested to advocate for wage improvements. The environment of the jail was also discussed, highlighting the need for significant upgrades and the impact of the jail management system on employee stress and burnout.
Motion to Reallocate ARPA Funding for Hiring Bonuses (00:35:15)
Commissioner Wheeler motioned to reallocate ARPA funding for a hiring bonus and recruitment incentive program. The motion was discussed and divided into separate motions for different roles.

Commissioner Wheeler made a motion to reallocate ARPA funding for a hiring bonus and recruitment incentive program. The motion was supported by Commissioner Morales. There was a request to divide the motion into two: one for corrections deputies and another for corrections clerks and food service positions. The division was discussed, and it was proposed to withdraw the original motion and make two new motions.
Vote on Recruitment Bonuses for Corrections Deputies (00:39:00)
A motion to extend ARPA-funded recruitment bonuses to corrections deputies was discussed and voted on, addressing recruitment challenges and union considerations.

The motion to extend recruitment bonuses to corrections deputies funded by ARPA was made and discussed. It was noted that corrections deputies are union positions, and wage increases would require bargaining. The vote was called and the motion carried, with most commissioners voting in favor.
Vote on Recruitment Bonuses for Corrections Clerks and Food Service (00:42:00)
The motion to extend recruitment bonuses to corrections clerks and food service positions was debated, with some commissioners preferring wage increases over bonuses.

Commissioner Wheeler motioned to reallocate ARPA funding for recruitment bonuses for corrections clerks and food service positions. Vice Chair expressed opposition, preferring to focus on wage increases. The motion was discussed, and concerns about union negotiations were raised. The vote was conducted, resulting in the motion carrying.
Public Comment and Event Center Authority Board (00:45:31)
Public comment featured thanks for support establishing the Event Center Authority Board, highlighting collaboration with local officials.

Jane GOs from Discover Kalamazoo thanked the board for supporting the establishment of the Event Center Authority Board, expressing excitement about the project and collaboration with appointed officials such as Commissioner Morales.
Administrator's Updates and Announcements (00:47:09)
The Administrator provided updates on various topics including indigent defense, emergency management training, Consumers Energy bill assistance, and the parking garage project.

The Administrator discussed the denial of the indigent defense compliance plan and efforts to resubmit. Updates on emergency management training focusing on severe weather preparedness were provided. Information about Consumers Energy bill assistance for eligible households through state emergency relief funds was shared. A quick update on the parking garage project was given, with final design plans delivered and RFPs solicited. The childcare care share program nearing implementation was mentioned, along with reminders about the budget retreat and the next board meeting.
Discussion on Storm Spotters Training (01:02:30)
Discussion on the need for storm spotters and the challenges in scheduling training with the National Weather Service due to federal cuts.

Commissioner Kiler inquired about the ongoing efforts to recruit and train storm spotters in light of recent volatile weather in southwest Michigan. It was noted that the National Weather Service is responsible for providing the training, but recent federal budget cuts have made it challenging to schedule sessions. The goal is to augment the weather service's capabilities by training local volunteers to spot severe weather when the weather service is unable to due to staff shortages.
Commissioner Comments (01:04:00)
Commissioners shared various updates, including community events and funding for the airport runway extension.

Commissioner Wheeler expressed anticipation for the upcoming budget process and the impact it could have on Kalamazoo County. Commissioner Morales had no additional comments. Commissioner Ler announced an event featuring a local speaker and highlighted an upcoming FAA grant for airport runway extensions. Commissioner Ulu provided updates on the status of the Sheriff's Deputies Association and upcoming community events, including a celebration for the Veteran Transitional Housing's anniversary.