Kalamazoo County Government - October 21, 2025 Kalamazoo County Committee of the Whole

Updated 3 days ago

Commissioners review the budget, focusing on operational costs, employee positions, and the impact of federal and state funding cuts. The meeting also discusses the allocation of remaining funds for Texas Township disaster relief and the reallocation of forfeited ARPA funds from Young Kings and Queens. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the presentation of a draft housing tax increment financing policy, which aims to address affordable housing through various incentives and guidelines. The board seeks input on affordability metrics, community benefits agreements, and how to effectively implement the policy while considering its impact on local development. Public comments include concerns about county expenses, housing, and storm recovery efforts.

Chapters

Roll Call (00:04:00)
The roll call was conducted with several commissioners present and Commissioner Morales sending her regrets due to a family bereavement.

The clerk called the roll, with Commissioners Delo, G, Mazer, Morales, and Ray listed. Commissioner Morales was absent due to a family death, and condolences were extended to her family.
Public Comments (00:04:52)
Public comments were made by several community members regarding budget concerns and funding allocations.

The public comment session allowed participants to address the board for up to three minutes. Comments included a request from the Chief Pro Temp for court budget increases, Anne Lipsey's questions about operational funding for local services, and a request from a resident regarding tornado recovery funds.
Review of Accounts Payable and Payroll Disbursements (00:10:45)
The finance director presented the accounts payable and payroll disbursements for board review, with no questions from commissioners.

Finance Director Ryan Post presented a review of accounts payable and payroll disbursements. The board of commissioners was asked for questions but had none, approving the financial summaries presented.
Budget Discussion (00:11:53)
The administrator presented a preview of the recommended budget, outlining revenue sources and addressing board priorities.

Dr. Katlin presented the administrator's recommended budget, highlighting the balanced budget status. The presentation covered board priorities, new funding requests, and strategic plan implementation. Discussion included public safety funding, employee-related expenses, community stability, and operational enhancements. Commissioners provided input and sought adjustments, particularly in areas of strategic plan spending and circuit court funding.
Discussion on Fleet Management and Vehicle Leasing (00:41:28)
There was an in-depth discussion on the fleet management program and the use of vehicle leasing.

The discussion focused on the effectiveness of the vehicle leasing program, particularly for the Sheriff's department. Concerns were raised about the long-term viability and costs associated with leasing versus purchasing vehicles. The county administrator provided insights into the benefits of the leasing program, including cost savings and fleet refresh capabilities. There was also mention of the annual analysis conducted by the fleet committee to assess vehicle usage and make recommendations.
Budget Considerations and Prioritization (00:48:00)
The meeting addressed current budget considerations and the need for prioritization among various projects.

The discussion highlighted the importance of smart growth, cautious approach to spending, and aligning budget with strategic priorities. Potential projects on the horizon include hazardous waste management, parking garage development, and court expansion. There was emphasis on the need to maintain employment and service levels while making strategic investments.
Position Vacancies and Staffing Challenges (00:56:16)
The board discussed challenges with filling vacant positions and the implications for the budget.

The board reviewed spreadsheets on position vacancies, noting some have been open for over a thousand days. There was a discussion about the need to combine positions and adjust salaries to attract candidates. Concerns were raised about the impact of long-term vacancies on budget and service delivery, particularly in law enforcement.
Overtime Budgeting and Staffing Strategy (00:57:00)
The need to budget for overtime was discussed as part of a broader staffing strategy.

Commissioners noted that overtime is often used to cover for unfilled positions and that budgeting for it explicitly is a better practice. The discussion also touched on the high turnover rates in certain departments, such as the Sheriff's office, and the need for a stabilized workforce.
Discussion on Disaster Relief Funding Allocation (01:13:01)
The board debated whether to allocate remaining disaster relief funds to private homeowners or reserve them for future public infrastructure needs.

There was a divided opinion on whether leftover funds should be used for private property storm mitigation or saved for future public infrastructure disaster relief. Some commissioners emphasized the importance of preparing for future emergencies and prioritizing public infrastructure, while others were open to supporting private homeowners impacted by recent storms.
Reallocation of ARPA Funds Discussion (01:16:21)
The board discussed reallocating forfeited ARPA funds to address emergency sheltering needs this winter.

The discussion focused on how to best use ARPA funds that were previously allocated to Young Kings and Queens. Suggestions included using the funds to support emergency sheltering during the winter, aligning with the original intent of helping disproportionately impacted communities.
Discussion on Emergency Sheltering and Housing (01:18:15)
Discussion on the need for an agile emergency shelter strategy for extreme weather events, collaboration with COC, and the use of ARPA funds.

The board discussed the need for an agile emergency shelter strategy to address extreme weather events. The discussion included potential collaborations with the Continuum of Care (COC) and the allocation of ARPA funds. Concerns were raised about the timing and sufficiency of funding, and the need for a quick response to shelter needs during extreme cold weather. The board emphasized the importance of preparing early to ensure nonprofit agencies are ready to support emergency sheltering needs. The conversation also touched on long-term planning and the necessity of resource allocation for homelessness prevention.
First Reading - Kalamazoo County Housing Tax Increment Financing Policy (01:28:29)
Presentation on the draft housing tax increment financing policy, seeking input on affordability definitions and community benefit agreements.

Planning and Development Director Rachel Grover presented the draft housing tax increment financing policy. The policy aims to establish definitions and eligibility that align with local housing needs. The board was asked for input on the policy's affordability definitions for rental and for-sale units, as well as on the potential for community benefits agreements for projects without affordable units. The policy was developed with input from the housing and planning departments and aims to foster workforce housing. It also considers community benefits and the potential use of brownfield authorities' resources.
Discussion on TIFF Financing and Infill Development (01:50:35)
Discussion on the impact of TIFF financing on infill development versus sprawl and policy encouragement for infill.

The board discussed the impact of TIFF (Tax Increment Financing) on infill development versus urban sprawl. They examined how policy can encourage infill development and the role of housing plans in this context. The conversation touched on infrastructure costs and the need for affordable housing components.
Community Benefits Agreements in Housing Plans (01:54:30)
Clarification on the requirement of Community Benefits Agreements in housing plans and their impact.

The board clarified the language regarding Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) in housing plans. It was discussed that CBAs may be required in housing plans, with the distinction between agreements in the brownfield plan and separate agreements for additional developer contributions.
Brownfield Authority's Role in Housing Development (01:55:40)
The role of the Brownfield Authority in supporting scattered site housing and infill development plans.

The Brownfield Authority's involvement in housing development was discussed, particularly in supporting scattered site housing plans and reducing sprawl. The authority is working with the Kazoo County Land Bank on a countywide infill housing plan.
Zoning Reforms and Infrastructure Costs (01:57:45)
Discussion on zoning reforms and infrastructure costs associated with infill development versus sprawl.

The board discussed the need for zoning reforms to support infill development and manage infrastructure costs. They emphasized the importance of using available tools for housing development and the role of local units in zoning changes.
Proclamations for Approval (02:03:43)
First reading requests for approval of proclamations, including National Suicide Prevention Month.

The board conducted first readings for proclamations, including one designating September as National Suicide Prevention Month. These will be read into the record at the next regular board session.
Adjournment (02:04:19)
The meeting was adjourned with no further closed sessions scheduled.

The meeting was adjourned with no closed sessions or additional items on the agenda. The board concluded its business for the evening.