Ottawa County
Meeting highlights—State of the County
“I would like to say thank you to the people of Ottawa County, who took decisive action to defend their piece of America in 2022—to protect individual freedoms, parental rights, and freedom of religion and conscience. Also, thank you to the staff of the County, who day in and day out are working for The People of our community. And thank you to the commissioners for their service as representatives. To the public, we are humbled to work for The People in our Constitutional Republic.” —Chairman Joe Moss, January 30, 2024
Meeting highlights—Three meetings getting County work done in under two hours
January 23, 2024, consisted of three committee meetings. The Strategic Planning Committee laid down a foundational plan for both the near and distant future, the Health & Human Services Committee had multiple department updates, and the Talent & Recruitment Committee got their job done in under ten minutes.
Highlights—Hambley hearing: The $4 million lie
“Big victory for the people. Truth prevailed on Friday,” Commissioner Joe Moss commented on "The Justin Barclay Show," Monday, January 22, 2024.
Meeting Highlights—The first regular session of the year for the Board of Commissioners
2024 began without fanfare for the Board of Commissioners at the January 16, 2024 meeting. Agenda items focused on new budget software, committee adjustments, the hiring of outside counsel, and annual reports.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)—Part Two
The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners chose to use $39,742,630 of the ARPA funds for lost revenue. But, according to the January 25, 2022 and May 24, 2022 Board minutes, the Board only approved $31,712,572 in public meetings.
Meeting highlights—The 2024 Organizational Meeting of the Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners unanimously voted for Commissioner Joe Moss as Chair and Commissioner Sylvia Rhodea as Vice-Chair for 2024.
Meeting highlights—Commissioner Kendra Wenzel, District 6
“I hope to foster a positive change, amplify the voices of everyday citizens in Ottawa County, and to uphold the oath of office.” —Kendra Wenzel, December 8, 2023, Public Interview
Celebrate the Christmas season in Ottawa County
The hustle and bustle of the Christmas season is upon us. Maybe you're looking for something fun to do with your family, where you can slow down and enjoy each other’s company. Maybe we all need a moment to see winter through the eyes of a child.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)—Part One
In March of 2021, Ottawa County found out it would be receiving $56.6 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This federal funding was a Covid-19 relief package intended to address the economic impacts of the pandemic and ensure a strong and equitable recovery.
Special Meeting highlights—Interviewing commissioner candidates for District 6
On November 16, 2023, Commissioner Kyle Terpstra resigned from the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners. According to Michigan Law 46.412 and Board Rule 2.6, the office shall be filled by appointment within 30 days by the Board. In the name of transparency, the Board held public interviews of five candidates at a Special Meeting on Friday, December 8, 2023.
Meeting highlights—Day 6 of Adeline Hambley’s removal hearing
Two and a half hours, three motions, and a good faith step by the Board of Commissioners sum up Day 6.
“The rock on which our Republic rests”
"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God." —Abraham Lincoln, October 1863 Proclamation, Washington D.C.
