Ottawa County
Meeting highlights—Commissioner attempts to censor public comment
The July 9, 2024, Board of Commissioners meeting had a full agenda but started with an outburst by Commissioner Roger Bergman. After a quick break and an explanation of the First Amendment right to free speech, the meeting continued.
Vote Common Good exposed
According to influencewatch.org, the mission of Vote Common Good is "to convince five to fifteen percent of American Christians to vote for liberal candidates and causes..."
Breaking the $42 million narrative
Why would someone from the Lansing area set up a website targeting the Ottawa County Board and their budget?
Meeting highlights—Officers Compensation Recommendation/Resolution
The media sat front and center at the Tuesday May 14, 2024 Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meeting, expecting the Board to vote on a resolution from the Ottawa County Officers Compensation Commission regarding raises for elected officials.
Election highlight—District 2 recall
Voting is an American’s civic duty. Through voting, citizens have the power to shape the policies and laws that govern their communities. Ottawa County District 2 struggles as the district with the lowest voter turnout. This didn’t change with the May 7, 2024 recall.
Meeting highlights—Three Resolutions: Promote Life, Autism Awareness, and Citizens for Local Choice
On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, members of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners continued their pledge to stand with all citizens, bringing forward resolutions to protect life, raise autism awareness, and keep Ottawa land under local control.
Meeting highlights—Financial report, Insurance Authority update, unrestricted funds
On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Ottawa County received financial updates. Most commissioners arrived ready for the meeting. Others arrived uninformed and unprepared, wasting taxpayer dollars.
Ottawa County Board votes Jon Anderson as Interim Administrator
"One of my primary goals is to build relationships with the Board of Commissioners, the employees of Ottawa County, as well as the residents." —Interim Administrator Jon Anderson
Meeting highlights—Discussion on real estate point-of-sale, Ottawa Food, and Public Health Fund Balance
On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Health & Human Services Committee had actual discussion on items instead of mere updates from programs as was the norm during the past five years. During the discussion there was a lack of decorum by two Ottawa County employees.
Meeting highlights—Update on County finances, Interim Administrator, Treasury, and 20th Circuit Court
“Ottawa County is an amazing place with wonderful people, great jobs, low unemployment, economic growth, strong churches, striving communities, and people who love freedom.” —Chairman Joe Moss
Meeting highlights—Continuation of the Special Meeting regarding John Gibbs
At the Special Meeting on February 29, 2024, just a few days after a letter of complaints was sent to County Administrator John Gibbs’ attorney, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners voted to terminate Gibbs’ contract.
Meeting highlights—Mediation brings to a close the case of Hambley v Ottawa County
The Board of Commissioners met on February 26, 2024, to hold mediation for Hambley v Ottawa County.