Montcalm County

The meeting included a review of landfill tonnage reports for September and October, noting a fiscal year shortfall and a slight reduction in October tonnage. Single stream collection remained consistent, while cardboard tonnage trended lighter. The committee reviewed the MMPC Budget Report as of October 31, 2025, and received an update indicating an expected $35,000 reimbursement for compactor unit rentals from a grant. Old business involved updates on the smooth operation of the Recycle Site and a summary of the Fall Household Hazardous Waste Event. New business focused on scheduling the 2026 events, setting dates for tire/electronics and household hazardous waste events. Discussion also covered new magnetic signage for full recycle bins and crew responsibility for placing signs regarding Christmas wrapping paper restrictions. Work group members were assigned tasks regarding the Materials Management Plan sections, specifically concerning recycling rates and the Republic Services agreement. The committee also established the 2026 bi-monthly meeting schedule.

The meeting involved discussions regarding construction compliance, specifically concerning fire-resistant construction and setbacks near property lines, including a discussion on granting a variance request contingent upon meeting state code requirements for fire rating and sprinkling. A motion was made and carried to refund the variance application fee. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the allocation of Fiscal Year 2026 Opioid and Marijuana funding. Discussions detailed funding recommendations for various programs, including buprenorphine treatment at the County Jail, recovery coach positions, social work jail liaison services, and outpatient medication-assisted treatment. The committee also discussed the allocation strategy for Marijuana funding, debating whether to pre-commit funds to specific recurring expenses like circuit and district court programs versus allocating the entirety based on competitive proposals. The board subsequently approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Opioid and Marijuana funding awards as presented. Additionally, a proposal was brought forward to explore funding for a part-time administrative aid position in the clerk's office following a previous reduction in staffing, as the department is currently managing workloads by 'treading water'. The board requested that the controller prepare a structured plan detailing the proposed split of future marijuana funding between committed expenses and committee-awarded proposals.

The committee reviewed opioid funding requests for 2026, and is recommending specific amounts in opioid and marijuana funding for various requestors. Committee members will present an overview of the 2025 spending and the recommendation for 2026 to the Board of Commissioners. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for August of 2026 to review progress reports and discuss any changes that are necessary for the funding application for 2027.

The meeting included discussions on replacing PTAC units at the Health Department and Commission on Aging, and updates from the 4 program coordinator. The board also discussed allowing Sunny to use part of the building for a food share program. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding an ordinance to amend the county construction ordinance, specifically concerning accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The discussion centered on maintaining lake levels, historical context, and legal obligations. The county has a requirement to maintain a lake level, but lacks the infrastructure to do so. The county board of commissioners' job is supervising the lake level. Residents submitted a petition and deposit to support a project to maintain a consistent lake level. The board discussed establishing a special assessment district and the feasibility of maintaining a legal level. A resolution was discussed to retain council and an engineer to assist with establishing the district and lake level questions. The board also discussed the possibility of establishing a revolving fund for lake levels.