Highlights
Meeting highlights—Millage ballot language approved
On the last day of April 2026, the Board of Commissioners debated whether to keep tax increases off the ballot or to add them so that residents can choose more taxes if they want them.
Meeting highlights—Committees discuss compensation, a millage, and a fee on trash
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, commissioners met to consider money to be spent on compensation and money to be brought in through taxation.
Meeting highlights—A new position for Legal Services
With adjournment not happening until 11 pm, the March 24, 2026, Board of Commissioners meeting was a five-hour event. In that time, commissioners discussed a Department of Legal Services and Plan of Organization, and board seats were filled.
Meeting highlights—Committees examine legal support, Road Commission addresses gravel roads
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Board committees considered a prior legal counsel structure and a change in the pre-approval of contracts. The Road Commission visited with a winter update.
Meeting highlights—CMH to become a separate Authority
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, the Board of Commissioners voted to begin transitioning CMH to an Authority and revisited the conversation regarding a partnership with the controversial Michigan Association for Local Public Health.
Meeting highlights—Budgets and beaches
Finance & Administration Committee votes through a Work Together Agreement with Consumers Energy. Planning & Policy approves project to restore North Ottawa Dunes.
Meeting highlights—Ottawa County Parks plan moves forward
The Board of Commissioners met on the blustery Tuesday evening of January 27, 2026, to ratify contracts and agreements as well as address public safety concerns.
Meeting highlights—Reports included impending Supreme Court review of MI property tax and CDC vaccine changes
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Finance & Administration and Planning & Policy Committees met to appoint their Vice Chairs and receive department updates.
Meeting highlights—Board Rules amended and CMH public hearings scheduled
On January 13, over the course of seven hours, the commissioners met to discuss the 2026 Board Rules and a plan to convert the Community Mental Health Department to a separate Authority.
Meeting highlights—Changing of the guard
With the start of a new year, the Board of Commissioners gathered on January 2 for the annual Organizational Meeting, appointing a new chair and vice chair for 2026.
Meeting highlights—Prioritizing public perception
On Thursday, December 18, the Board of Commissioners met for the final meeting of the year, deliberating on the process to consider whether CMH should become an independent authority.
Meeting highlights—Committees consider the merits of two commissions: Housing & Officers Compensation
On December 9, 2025, the Planning & Policy Committee discussed how to tackle the county’s housing situation, while Finance & Administration sought legal counsel when prior meeting minutes were missing.
