Prior to voting on the Ratification of Contracts, Commissioner Allison Miedema asked if County Administrator Patrick Waterman could share about the 2026 Citizen Survey that will be going to residents.

• Waterman explained that the Citizen Survey historically has been done every other year and is a good way for the Board to gauge public sentiment on ongoing issues. The survey also serves as a constant marker on matters of interest. The questions have remained unchanged with the exception of a few which rotate.

• The timeline for the survey likely would be in April after the Strategic Plan is developed, so that anything that comes out of the Strategic Plan could be added.

• Miedema questioned whether the survey still has merit since it hasn’t been revisited in several years. In comparison, the Parks survey was quite thorough and provided action by getting down to more specifics. From her perspective, the Citizen Survey is more of a “feel good” effort—without an opportunity to weigh in and give detail—and has room for improvement.

• Waterman replied that at this meeting the Board merely would be approving the contract with the research firm, and that there will be an opportunity for more conversation with the Board.

• Commissioner Jordan Jorritsma agreed with Miedema but also appreciates the way the current survey questions answer whether more residents say the County is headed in the right or wrong direction.

The Ratification of Contracts was approved.

Those voting yes: Commissioners Sylvia Rhodea, John Teeples, Doug Zylstra, Kendra Wenzel, Allison Miedema, Joe Moss, Jordan Jorritsma, Phil Kuyers, Jim Barry, and Josh Brugger.

Commissioner Jacob Bonnema was absent.

The Board was asked to consider a resolution to adopt the 2026 Ottawa County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. Director Jason Shamblin was on hand to present the Plan.

• Shamblin explained that the proposed Plan is not a funding decision, though it does include budget scenarios.

• The first scenario was termed “Status Quo/Maintaining” and would request a .33 millage rate (approximately $63,740,518).

• The second scenario was termed “Growing to Serve Public Demand” and would request an increase to a .53 millage rate (approximately $102,516,951).

• The recent Parks survey showed that over a year, 87% of residents use Ottawa County parks. Georgetown Township residents have the highest usage and Grand Ravines Park sees the most visitors.

• The Ottawa County parks received an 84% approval rating. The national polling firm that conducted the survey had never seen such high positive results.

All commissioners present voted in favor of adopting the Resolution approving the 2026 Ottawa County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan.

The Board went into three closed sessions to consider the following three motions:

• A motion to authorize Jason Shamblin, on behalf of the Ottawa County Parks, to enter into the proposed land acquisition and settlement agreement between property owners and Spring Lake Township, conditioned upon approval of Corporate Counsel and the County Administrator.

• A motion to ratify the AFSME collective bargaining agreement with Public Health.

• A motion to extend the contract with AFSME and CMH of Ottawa County according to the terms of the collective bargaining extension.

All three motions passed.

Those voting yes: Commissioners Jim Barry, Jordan Jorritsma, Doug Zylstra, Joe Moss, Kendra Wenzel, John Teeples, Sylvia Rhodea, Phil Kuyers, Josh Brugger, and Allison Miedema.

Commissioner Jacob Bonnema was absent.

County Administrator Patrick Waterman shared an update with the Board regarding a ruling, the public hearings for the CMH Authority, and the County’s concern over the Supreme Court case that could affect property tax.

• On January 21, 2026, a U.S. district judge issued an order dismissing all claims against Joe Moss and Ottawa County with prejudice, which means it was dismissed permanently.

• The second public hearing for the CMH Authority process was held this week. About 15–20 people attended and roughly five gave public comment. Waterman and his team continue to collect comments and questions, which can be read at miottawa.org/cmhauthority.

• The Pung v Isabella County case will have the U.S. Supreme Court considering whether those who own a foreclosed property should be compensated the proceeds from an auction—as it stands now in Michigan—or compensated the fair market value. If the Court rules in favor of fair market value, Waterman’s concern is that many local governments’ delinquent property tax funds would deplete. Additionally, property owners might be incentivized to not pay their property taxes. Ottawa County, through the Insurance Authority, will be joining several other large counties in the state and contributing to the legal defense case.

Some commissioners used their comment time to address a few of the public comments that focused on immigration control. Others reported on upcoming events.

• Zylstra urged “federal partners to proceed with restraint, transparency, and respect for constitutional boundaries and to safeguard the civil liberties and due process rights that are foundational to our democracy.” He added that the effort would be essential to maintaining public trust, and ensuring freedom, accountability, and public safety for everyone.

• Rhodea reflected on her previous work with foster parents and the importance placed on teaching foster children to be safe in their interactions with law enforcement. Similarly, she remarked how important it is for residents to allow law enforcement, including ICE, to fulfill their duties by not intervening in those operations. From her perspective, the presence of horns and whistles used by those protesting lessen the ability of law enforcement to process situations well. She cautioned those protesting to not “raise the temperature of situations,” but to allow the best out of law enforcement to keep everyone safe.

• Wenzel shared that the Ottawa County Republican Party delegation unanimously passed a resolution last week declaring 2026 as: “The Year of the Bible.”

• Jorritsma and Miedema thanked the Road Commission and Sherriff’s Department for all they’re doing to keep the roads safe in the winter weather.

• Miedema also comment on the many reports out from Fox Business, the U.S. Department of Energy, Chris Wright, and NERC on how coal plants have protected lives and livelihoods across the country. She quoted Fox Business, saying: “Coal remains a vital energy source during winter storms.” She encouraged those interested in more information to visit her commissioner Facebook page.

• Teeples thought the Kleinjans’ lawsuit represented a violation the Board Rules regarding no individual can represent taking any action or making any decision on behalf of the Board. He added that had he been the commissioner in that situation he would have sued the County, Moss, and Miedema. He also disapproved of when the Board approved a $900,000 grant for infectious disease and then some commissioners “went to Washington and used influence to get that pulled.”

• Kuyers encouraged commissioners to wait before making up their minds regarding the Parks millage. The Millage Commission board will be bringing them survey information on what the community will support.

• Brugger shared information on the upcoming Walk for Warmth and closed with a letter from Sherriff DeBoer highlighting the Sherriff Department’s commitment to equal enforcement of the law and equal service to every person in Ottawa County.

January 27, 2026 Ottawa County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Ottawa County Board of Commissioners
Regular Session
January 27, 2026

Ottawa County Administration Building
12220 Fillmore Street
West Olive, MI 49460