The new budget software approved by the Board not only will be more efficient for fiscal services, commissioners, and directors, but also will increase budget visibility for the public and provide better visual elements such as graphs, charts, data points, and checks.

• Fiscal Director Karen Karasinski told the Board that this software is “really an all-year-round software” and that it will be “really powerful for managers trying to manage their budgets”

• Karasinski also said “to post updates more frequently and consistently would be a desired goal”

• As for the implementation timeline, the Board most likely will take a few months to start to engage, but the plan is to have the program ready for the Fiscal Year 25 budget process

The motion to purchase the new software—which will improve transparency of the budget process—passed unanimously.

The Board voted on Action Requests concerning adjustments to committee appointments.

• By a unanimous vote, Commissioner Kendra Wenzel was removed from the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council and replaced with Commissioner Gretchen Cosby

• Wenzel was appointed to the Community Mental Health (CMH) Board vacancy. In recent history, the CMH Board has seated four commissioners; Wenzel will be the fourth.

• Chairman Joe Moss opened the Strategic Planning Committee to all commissioners

Commissioner Jacob Bonnema requested the hiring of outside legal counsel. The request was for the limited purpose of representing him at the evidentiary hearing on January 19, 2024, in the case of Adeline Hambley v. Ottawa County.

• Commissioner Roger Bergman said he doesn’t remember a Board member ever asking for outside counsel, and he wasn’t sure it was a necessary expenditure

• According to Corporate Counsel Jack Jordan, Bonnema followed proper process when requesting outside counsel

• Bonnema did not choose his outside counsel. Rather, it was found for him, Attorney Michael Homier.

• Jordan explained, “Commissioner Bonnema has outlined that he has certain things that he feels are in conflict with us [Kallman Legal Group] representing him, and so we are OK as far as recommending that outside counsel.”

• Jordan also explained that as of this meeting, he was not sure there even would be an evidentiary hearing

• Bonnema’s outside counsel will be limited, and only for the evidentiary hearing on January 19, 2024

The motion to grant Bonnema outside legal counsel passed 10–1, with Commissioner Rebekah Curran voting no.

The Board is presented with annual reports from various departments at the beginning of every year.

1. 58th District Court 2023 Annual Report, given by Judge Craig E. Bunce

2. Department of Strategic Impact 2023 Annual Report, given by Strategic Impact

Ottawa County Board of Commissioners
Regular Session
January 16, 2024

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