Kalamazoo County - September 2, 2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting

Updated 3 days ago

Commissioners review proposed budget adjustments with a focus on finance director Ryan Post's presentation. Discussion centers on reallocating forfeited ARPA funds for emergency shelter funding in collaboration with the city of Kalamazoo, addressing the needs of the unhoused during extreme weather events. The meeting also delves into the draft housing tax increment financing (TIF) policy, with input from Brownfield administrator Macy Walters, aiming to balance affordable housing components with development feasibility. Additionally, the commission considers the allocation of disaster relief funds, weighing the needs of public vs. private infrastructure. Various commissioners express views on environmental impacts and housing vouchers, seeking to refine policy directions. The meeting includes first readings of proclamations for National Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Month.

Chapters

Roll Call (00:00:18)
Attendance was taken with some commissioners present and others absent due to personal reasons.

Roll call was conducted, noting the presence of Commissioner Mazer, Commissioner Morales, Commissioner Ray, and Chair Streps. Commissioner Morales was noted as absent due to a family bereavement, and condolences were expressed.
Public Comments (00:00:46)
Public was given an opportunity to comment on various topics including budget concerns, funding for community services, and tornado recovery efforts.

Members of the public were invited to comment. A representative from the Ninth Circuit Court discussed budget needs for core functions. Anne Lipsey raised concerns about funding for mission services and detox services in light of federal budget cuts. Another member thanked the board for tornado recovery support and requested amendments to funding agreements to better assist residents.
Review of Accounts Payable and Payroll Disbursements (00:06:39)
The board reviewed and approved claims and payroll disbursements with no questions from commissioners.

Finance Director Ryan Post presented the accounts payable claims list and payroll disbursements for review. The board was asked to approve the claims and disbursements, with no questions or objections from commissioners.
Budget Discussion (00:07:47)
A preview of the administrator's recommended budget was presented, focusing on revenue sources, expenditures, and strategic priorities.

Dr. Katlin presented a preview of the administrator's recommended budget, highlighting revenue sources, expenditures, and strategic priorities. Discussions included public safety funding, employee-related costs, community stability, and operational enhancements. Commissioners discussed various budget allocations, including those for the sheriff's office, court system, and strategic planning. Adjustments were considered in response to commissioner feedback regarding priorities and funding levels.
Discussion on Vehicle Replacement Strategy (00:37:19)
Discussion on the vehicle replacement strategy, including cost considerations, leasing versus purchasing, and the impact on various departments.

The meeting discussed the current vehicle replacement strategy, highlighting the need for periodic adjustments due to cost and operational needs. The idea of smoothing the replacement over several years was suggested. Concerns were raised about the sheriff department's vehicle needs and the cost-effectiveness of renting versus buying, especially for departments that use vehicles for plowing and other operations. It was noted that take-home cars for police officers tend to last longer and are better maintained. The fleet committee conducts an annual review to decide whether to purchase vehicles out of their lease. The program has allowed for fleet refreshment at a lower cost. Not all county vehicles are part of this leasing program, with sheriff patrol vehicles being a significant exception.
Budget Presentation and Discussion (00:43:36)
Budget overview including smart growth strategies, prioritization of county services, and upcoming budgetary decisions.

The budget presentation focused on smart growth, investing versus spending, and maintaining service levels. The need for cautious planning to ensure the sustainability of county services and employment was emphasized. The board discussed the importance of prioritizing needs due to budget constraints and the possibility of small funding adjustments. Concerns were raised about position vacancies and the need to budget overtime more effectively, especially in high-turnover departments like the sheriff's office. The meeting also highlighted the potential for reallocating ARPA funds to address emergency sheltering this winter, suggesting collaboration with the city of Kalamazoo.
Discussion on Texas Township Disaster Relief Funds (01:09:45)
Debate on whether to allocate remaining Texas Township disaster relief funds to private property owners or reserve for future public infrastructure needs.

The board discussed the allocation of remaining disaster relief funds for Texas Township. The request from Texas Township was to use these funds for private property owners affected by recent storms. However, some board members argued for reserving the funds for future disasters affecting public infrastructure. Concerns were raised about setting a precedent and the appropriate use of public funds. The discussion highlighted the need for a long-term plan for emergency management and disaster preparedness.
Discussion on Utilizing Funds for Emergency Sheltering (01:14:03)
The board discussed the allocation of funds for emergency sheltering in extreme weather events, potentially collaborating with the City of Kalamazoo and COC.

The meeting focused on the allocation of funds for emergency sheltering during extreme weather events. The board considered collaborating with the City of Kalamazoo and the Continuum of Care (COC) to issue a joint Request for Proposal (RFP). The discussion highlighted the need for quick action due to the approaching winter and the advantages of having COC coordinate the efforts due to their nonprofit status, which might expedite the process. The discussion also included considerations on ensuring the funds are sufficient and planning for future needs.
Kalamazoo County Housing Tax Increment Financing Policy Presentation (01:24:26)
The board received a presentation on the draft Housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policy, seeking feedback on affordability criteria and community benefits agreements.

Director Rachel Grover presented the draft Housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policy developed by the housing and planning departments. The presentation aimed to gather input from the board on key policy elements, including affordability criteria for rental and for-sale units, commitment periods for homeowners, and options for community benefits agreements in lieu of affordable units. The discussion addressed various considerations such as the impact on tax revenue, infrastructure support, and the need for an ad hoc committee involving developers to refine the policy. The policy seeks to align with local housing needs and ensure sustainable homeownership opportunities.
Discussion on TIF Plan and Affordability Requirement (01:46:17)
The meeting discussed the use of a TIF plan that waives affordability requirements, its impact on infill development versus sprawl, and potential community benefits.

The discussion centered around whether to pursue a TIF plan that does not include affordability requirements. Concerns were raised about the impact on infill development compared to urban sprawl. The potential benefits to the community, including infrastructure improvements, were considered. It was noted that while the housing development might not include affordable components, there could still be significant community benefits such as road diets, sidewalks, or sewer hookups that would enhance the infrastructure and ultimately benefit the community. The complexities of implementing such plans and the roles of different local government units in encouraging these developments were also discussed.
Community Benefits and Brownfield Plans (01:54:01)
Clarification was sought on community benefits agreements in brownfield plans and their requirements. The discussion highlighted the importance of these benefits for local communities.

There was a detailed discussion on the definitions and requirements of community benefits agreements (CBAs) in relation to brownfield plans. It was clarified that while a brownfield plan must demonstrate a benefit to the community, a separate formal agreement might be required if the developer makes a payment to the county in lieu of providing affordable units. The importance of ensuring that such agreements are honored and properly documented was emphasized. The potential for these agreements to support affordable housing development in the county was also covered.
Discussion on Housing Legislation Expansion (01:56:01)
The expansion of housing legislation was discussed, focusing on infrastructure needs and the role of local units in accommodating new housing developments.

The expansion of housing legislation to address infrastructure needs in various communities, including poor ones, was discussed. It was noted that while some areas can get reimbursed for public infrastructure costs, others cannot due to their classification. The legislation aims to assist in addressing the housing crisis by considering the infrastructure required for new developments, such as roads for subdivisions. The discussion also covered the potential for developments to waive affordability requirements if necessary infrastructure improvements are made.
Infill Development and Planning (01:57:55)
The meeting covered infill development strategies, zoning reforms, and the importance of regional collaboration for effective planning.

Infill development and its importance over urban sprawl were discussed, with a focus on the need for regional collaboration among local units and potential zoning reforms. The meeting highlighted the importance of using existing tools and resources to support countywide housing development. The significance of maintaining green spaces and agricultural land while accommodating necessary infrastructure for community health and environment was also emphasized. The potential for a corridor study to guide future development and planning was introduced.
Proclamation Readings and Adjournment (02:00:04)
First readings of proclamations for future board sessions were announced, and the meeting was adjourned without a closed session.

The meeting concluded with the announcement of first readings for proclamations to be read into the record at future board sessions, including one designating September as National Suicide Prevention Month. There were no closed sessions scheduled, and the meeting was adjourned.