The field is set for this year’s elections for the MAC Board of Directors.
Six county commissioners have filed for the five available seats on the Board that will be filled via regional caucuses held on Sept. 25 at the 2024 Michigan Counties Annual Conference:
- Region I, Seat A
- Region II, Seat A
- Region III, Seat A
- Region V, Seat B
- At-large, Seat C
Only county commissioners registered for the Annual Conference may participate in the six regional caucuses. Only candidates who filed by the Aug. 23 deadline are eligible to be elected.
Regional seats are determined by the votes of that region’s caucus, with each county represented in the caucus room receiving one vote. The at-large seat is filled by the candidate receiving a majority of votes (with each commissioner casting a vote) in at least four of the six caucuses. (For questions on election procedures, contact Communications Director Derek Melot at melot@micounties.org.)
Candidates provided statements to MAC to share with colleagues:
John Malnar, Delta County, Region 1 candidate
I am reaching out to the UP commissioners for support to be elected to the MAC Board of Directors for Region 1.
Just a little about myself: I was born and raised in Gladstone. I have lived in Delta County my whole life. I’m a graduate of Gladstone High School and had some college at Bay de Noc Community College. I retired from Riverside Auto Sales as the service manager/warranty administrator in March 2015.
I ran for county commissioner in 2014, winning the primary election and serving as commissioner for that term. But I lost the election for the next term, only to be appointed to the Road Commission for three years. I then ran for county commissioner and won. This is my third term as county commissioner.
I’m 100 percent for the UP and will fight for the UP.
Craig Reiter, Schoolcraft County, Region 1 candidate
I have put in my name for the open Board seat in Region 1. For those who may not be familiar with me, I have been a commissioner for 12 years, six of which I served as Board chair.
Currently, I am the vice chair and finance chair, a role I enjoy. I have always been actively involved both inside and outside my county.
As a long-time member of several UP boards, including CAA (where I am the current chair), UPCAP (where I serve as the secretary on the executive board) and Hiawatha Behavioral Health (our local CMH), I have attended MAC conferences and served on various committees. Stepping up to the microphone and asking hard questions has never been a challenge for me. I am a strong advocate for the Upper Peninsula and will bring this voice to the MAC Board.
Additionally, I have been deeply engaged in our community mental health system for several years. Currently serving as the first vice president in the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA), I am in my second term. Frequent trips to Lansing for meetings allow me to connect with our legislators. Given the close collaboration between MAC and CMHA on critical issues, being on both boards will be a significant advantage.
I believe that serving in public office is just as vital to our country as my time in the Navy. As an elected official, I consider myself the voice of the people who elected me. In today’s political landscape, officials often fail to listen to their constituents. That’s why I consistently reach out to people and truly listen when they contact me. Everyone in Schoolcraft County deserves a safe and secure place to live and raise their families.
Bryan Kolk, Newaygo County, Region 2 candidate
I feel that I will be a particularly good candidate for the Region 2 seat because of my extensive history with MAC and county government.
Involvement with MAC: I am a current member of the MAC Board and have been very actively involved. I am a member of the MAC Judiciary and Public Safety Committee (7th year) and a member of the MAC General Government and Finance Committee (5th year). Also, I am a trustee for the Michigan Counties Workers’ Compensation Fund (6th year) and serve on the fund’s Safety Committee (2nd year). I am familiar with MAC’s 2024 legislative priorities and have the privilege of working directly on the policy platforms with the above committees.
County government: I began on the Newaygo County Board in 2017 and was elected as Board chair in 2019, a position I continue to hold. I’m proud to say the elected officials in Newaygo have an excellent rapport and working relationship. That is important in understanding the many nuances and how all of the different parts of government work together, which is so important as we face issues brought from other forms of government (local, state, federal) as well as the legal challenges from individuals, groups and businesses. We all have to work together in order to make counties run well.
Other county experience: I didn’t just happen to run for county commissioner. I do so after completing 32 years of service to Newaygo County as a deputy sheriff, where I held a number of different jobs within the department, all of which broadened my experience with not only the courts, dispatch and the Prosecutor’s Office, but also with almost all of the other county offices and many different state departments. My biggest strength in these interactions was in my ability to see different perspectives of the same issue and then discuss and come to a reasonable conclusion.
Other education: I hold an associate’s degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration.
I will appreciate your consideration and vote at the conference.
Rick Shaffer, St. Joseph County, Region 3 candidate
Rick Shaffer is a 40-year resident of St. Joseph County and is widely known for his active service in health care and county government activities.
As a current county commissioner, with over 20 years of service, he often refers to himself as the “historic voice of reason.” Widely known in St. Joseph County for his many years of advocacy for youth and senior programs, Shaffer, 69, is a Registered Nurse. He currently works as the director of the Outreach Patient Services (previous CEO) for Covered Bridge Healthcare (Federally Qualified Healthcare Center) in Centreville.
His five-decade career includes: funeral/ambulance service, pediatric nursing manager, nursing home administrator, 59th District State Representative and director of Three Rivers Home Care and Hospice. His participation on multiple county boards includes Community Mental Health (Pivotal), Centreville Downtown Development Authority, Community Action Agency, Commission on Aging, Area Agency on Aging (3B), St. Joseph County Planning and Parks and Recreation.
His community volunteerism includes Rotary (past president), the St. Joseph County United Way Board and Hope for Animals Board. He was named the Three Rivers Citizen of the Year by the Three Rivers Lions Club. Through his church, he has made 20 annual trips, taking students to support medical activities in dental, medical and optometric services in Haiti and/or the Dominican Republic.
Rick and his wife Sara are grandparents, raising their two preschool grandchildren.
“As residents of St. Joseph County, we are fortunate to have high quality lifestyle opportunities,” Shaffer said. “We have an abundance of services including business, industry, recreation, healthcare, and agribusiness. In addition, our seniors are able to take advantage of county-supported transportation.”
As a long-time county commissioner and former state representative, Shaffer has long been a supporter of MAC and the initiatives it provides to Michigan counties and its commissioners. He shares a desire to continue serving on the MAC Board of Directors, and pledges: “I will commit my time and broad-based career experiences to support the MAC Board that advances communication and cooperation between Michigan’s county governments and the state and federal governments.”
As a fulfillment of that promise, Shaffer’s current service to the MAC Board includes perfect Board attendance, participation and support of Advocacy Programs. In addition, he encouraged St. Joseph County to become members of NACo; he recently attended the 2024 NACo Conference where he serves on the Health Policy Steering Committee.
Sarah Lucido, Macomb County, Region 5 candidate
I am running for re-election to the MAC Board (Region 5, Seat B) because I want to continue to be an advocate for the vital work that we all do for our counties. I believe in promoting local control. I have learned so much since joining the Board about the issues that are affecting counties statewide. I know the importance of empowering counties to address these issues in ways that make sense for their residents, rather than settling for one size fits all policy making in Lansing.
Two years ago, I was elected to the 13th District on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners. Before that, I spent seven years serving the residents of my community on Eastpointe’s City Council. Although I have lived my adult life in Macomb County, I spent a large part of my childhood living in Roscommon County and I have family ties that stretch across the northern Lower Peninsula. My husband and I own property in Crawford County, and we spend a significant amount of time there each year. While, certainly not unique, I believe that my experiences and personal ties across Michigan provide me with some added perspective on the diversity of our state. It has made me hungry to continue to learn more about the needs of both urban and rural Michigan.
I am looking forward to seeing all of you at our upcoming MAC conference. I am excited to continue working together to move Michigan forward.
Melissa Daub, Wayne County, At-large candidate
I am requesting your support in re-electing me for an at-large seat on the MAC Board of Directors. I was elected to the Wayne County Commission in November 2018, where I represent Wayne County’s 10th District, encompassing Canton Township, the city of Plymouth and a portion of Plymouth Township. I remain committed to giving the people of Plymouth-Canton a voice in county governance, as well as using my position to help advocate for and educate residents on the important role counties play.
I am a graduate of Plymouth-Canton High School and hold a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. I live in Canton with my son and my senior rescue dog, Toby. Prior to serving on the Wayne County Commission, I worked in the accounting field, with extensive experience in both leadership and individual contributor positions.
Shortly after becoming county commissioner, I joined MAC’s Transportation Committee. As the representative for two townships, county road funding is a very important issue to my district. One of my long-term goals is to fully understand how Act 51 works. In September of 2024, I am slated to become the President of MAC.
I am not only a strong advocate for Plymouth-Canton and Wayne County, but also for Michigan at the federal level through my participation within the National Association of Counties (NACo). I am a member of NACo’s Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Large Urban County Caucus. In April 2021, I completed NACo’s High Performance Leadership Course, which helped in furthering my government leadership capabilities. In 2024, I was chosen as one of the few county leaders to participate in the 19th annual County Leadership Institute.
On the Wayne County Commission, I am currently serving as chair of the Committee on Audit. I am also on the Committee on Public Safety, Judiciary and Homeland Security and the Committee of Seniors and Veterans Affairs. Additionally, I have been appointed to the Wayne County Women’s Commission and the Joint Airport Zoning Board for Wayne and Washtenaw counties.
In addition to my state and federal leadership, I also place a strong focus on regional and local advocacy through my involvement within the following organizations: SEMCOG Healthy Climate Task Force, Michigan Workload Assessment Committee, Regional Review Committee (SEMCOG), Plymouth Rotary, Families Against Narcotics Advisory Board and Canton Township Chamber of Commerce Mast-HER-Mind Group (co-chair). I am also a program mentor within Canton Township’s Lead LikeAGirl and Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan.
I am incredibly passionate about serving as a county commissioner. Local government has an immediate impact on people’s lives, and I enjoy making positive changes in my community. People call us when a pothole needs to be filled or a traffic light needs to be installed, but we also handle serious emergencies. Counties were on the front line during the COVID-19 pandemic and here in Wayne County, we are actively responding to the aftermath of the continuous flooding that impacts the lives and well-being of our residents.
Our day-to-day efforts are what make MAC important and indispensable. MAC unites all 83 counties to become one voice at the state and federal level. As a MAC Board member, I would continue to advocate for a more inclusive and engaged membership, aimed at increasing conference attendance and encouraging commissioners to serve on committees. These efforts would make our voice even stronger as we work on important issues that affect every county in Michigan.
Thank you for your consideration.
UM institute releases ordinance template for renewable energy siting
A template ordinance for renewable energy facilities has been released by the University of Michigan. The Graham Sustainability Institute team, led by Dr. Sarah Mills, has created a sample Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance (CREO) as well as guidance on “Workable” Renewable Energy Ordinances.
Mills has presented information on this topic in recent months via the MAC Legislative Conference, Podcast 83 and the June edition of Michigan Counties.
As many of you know, the new law for siting large-scale wind and solar projects takes effect in November. Each local unit of government with zoning authority must choose one of three paths forward:
- No ordinance: Do not adopt an ordinance and allow the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to site for all large-scale renewable energy projects.
- CREO: Adopt an ordinance that matches the standards outlined in the law exactly.
- Workable ordinance: Adopt an ordinance that deviates from state standards but is reasonable enough that a developer would want to work directly with the local unit of government rather than going through the MPSC.
MAC recommends that each local unit of government consults with legal counsel before determining its path; what is right for one community may not be so for another. Thankfully, U of M has provided resources on each option.
The MPSC has yet to share its final rules on implementing the new law so these documents may evolve with time but considering the approaching effective date, reviewing these materials now can help guide the planning process moving forward.
For questions on MAC’s advocacy on this issue, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.
Celebrating International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month
August and September highlight a time to recognize the lives lost to drug overdose and celebrate recovery from substance use disorders.
Overdose Awareness Day is recognized internationally on Aug. 31 annually to raise awareness of drug overdose, stigma associated with overdose deaths and acknowledge grief experienced by families and friends remembering those lost and injured as a result of drug overdose. To find out more information, you can visit https://www.overdoseday.com/.
Recovery Month is recognized nationally throughout the month of September to promote new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the strength and resilience of the recovery community and highlight the providers and communities that support recovery from substance use disorders. To find out more information, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month.
MAC has created a proclamation template for both overdose awareness day and recovery month proclamation which counties can customize to highlight their commitment to addressing stigma and overdose, honoring the lives lost, celebrating those in recovery and sharing that recovery is possible.
For more information on MAC’s services on opioid settlement planning, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) imposed a ruling last month lowering the cost of jail and prison communications by capping the call rates for inmates to 6 to 12 cents per minute.
The ruling states that call rates will be $0.06 per minute for prisons and large jails, $0.07 per minute for medium jails, $0.09 per minute for small jails, $0.12 per minute for very small jails and $0.11 per minute for video calls.
MAC and NACo have not yet taken a position on this ruling.
For more information, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.
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MAC on the road: Grand Traverse and Kent counties
MAC’s Samantha Gibson and Madeline Fata attended a Grand Traverse County’s Board meeting on Aug. 21, which included a report from their opioid epidemic task force sharing their strategic plan and budget recommendations and approval of the FY24-25 Child Care Fund budget. After the meeting, the MAC duo met with (l-r) Commissioner Scott Sieffert, Administrator Nate Alger and Board Chair Rob Hentschel.
MAC also was in attendance on Aug. 22 when Kent County commissioners voted to amend its Lodging Excise Tax Ordinance. The board action increases the levy to 8 percent and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025. After the session, MAC’s Gibson and Fata met with Commissioner Stan Ponstein (left) and Administrator Al Vanderberg.
Audits are focus of Sept. 5 webinar from Michigan Treasury
The Michigan Department of Treasury will hold its next “Chart Chat” webinar at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5.
Click here to register and to submit questions prior to the event.
The Chart Chat webinar series provides local governments with critical information related to accounting and auditing topics, measuring local government fiscal health, and other important updates from Treasury.
Topics covered will include:
- Are you prepared for your audit?
- What happens to your audit after it gets to Treasury?
- How to file for an audit extension
- Pension and OPEB Monitoring (PA 202 of 2017)
- FDCVT Grants FY 2025
Presentations and recordings from this webinar, along with previous webinars, can be found at TREASURY – BLGSS Learning Center. For support related to Treasury’s local government services, visit TREASURY – Contact Information.
Staff picks
- Most foreign-owned ag land remains in friendly hands (NACo County News)
- Fiscal Brief: Traffic Citation Revenue (Michigan House Fiscal Agency)
- (Michigan) Court boosts authority to prevent mammoth tides of manure from contaminating water (RouteFifty)
- A growing share of U.S. husbands and wives are roughly the same age (Pew Research)
MAC releases transparency guidance and additional templates for opioid settlement work
This week, MAC released a new guidance document focused on supporting counties with transparency associated with opioid settlements. The Michigan County Opioid Settlement Funds: Transparency, Monitoring and Accountability Guide is intended to:
- Build on national guidance
- Highlight key areas and practical steps for creating and sharing transparent processes
- Highlight availability and access to information
- Focuses on transparency as a tool to support decision-makers in clarifying how and why decisions were made
The guidance document is framed around three phases in which to consider transparency, including, planning, funding and monitoring. It focuses on three key areas in which transparency can be addressed throughout all phases, including, community inclusion, conflicts of interest and a centralized location for information and public access.
Additionally, MAC has made the following template documents available on the Opioid Settlement Resource Center.
- Public Input/Feedback Session Resolution Template (PDF) (Word) – A resolution for Boards of Commissioners to host community input sessions on their spending plans prior to adoption of a spend plan.
- Spending Plan Adoption Resolution Template (PDF) (Word) – A resolution for Boards of Commissioners to finalize their expenditures.
- Vendor/Contractor Reporting Form Template (PDF) (Word) – A reporting document for monthly, quarterly, or biannual reports from vendors/contractors receiving opioid settlement funds.
- Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form Template (PDF) (Word) – A document for steering committee or request for proposal review committee members to attest to any conflicts of interest.
For mor information or for technical assistance with opioid settlement planning and spending, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.
Podcast 83 delves into resources for counties to address growing mental health responsibilities
A review of the major changes in county mental health responsibilities in recent decades and the challenges now confronting counties in the mental health space are the focus of a new special episode of Podcast 83.
Richard Carpenter, a specialist with Rehmann, a MAC Premier Partner, sat down with host Stephan Currie to reiterate and expand on points he made during a presentation at this year’s Legislative Conference.
“In the late’ 70s and early’ 80s, the state started to close a lot of the state facilities … and that’s where the counties really started picking up that responsibility,” Carpenter explained.
Carpenter noted several resource opportunities for counties today:
- “We’ve even seen really good partnerships with Mental Health First Aid training that some counties are getting very involved in with their community mental health services programs, so their first responders are ready to identify and respond to those emergencies that might include a behavioral health component.”
- “We do see opportunities with both our state General Fund dollars at the Community Mental Health Services programs and our Medicaid dollars; I can’t stress enough that our Medicaid dollars can help individuals stay out of … incarceration.”
- “There is access through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in what they call the Community Mental Health Block grants. And they still have … substance abuse and prevention and treatment block grant dollars.”
“When I look into the future, what are the hot things that I would recommend people kind of keep their ears open for keep their eyes on,” concluded Carpenter, “the no. 1 of them is the (Certified) Community Behavioral Health Clinic. The state of Michigan is putting a lot of dollars into that CCBHC program.”
View the full episode, recorded on June 4, by clicking here.
Previous episodes can be seen at MAC’s YouTube Channel.
And you always can find details about Podcast 83 on the MAC website.
Clock is ticking on registration access to 2024 Annual Conference
Registration continues online for the 2024 Michigan Counties Annual Conference, being held Sept. 24-26 at the always popular Grand Traverse Resort in Grand Traverse County.
Among the highlights for this year’s event are:
- The 2024 President’s Banquet on Sept. 25 will feature the installation of Wayne County’s Melissa Daub as MAC’s 116th president, followed by entertainment.
- The Welcome Reception on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 24 will be held in the Exhibitor Hall with beverages and a strolling dinner
- An optional new session called “Women of MAC” will be held the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 24
- Plenary sessions on Sept. 25-26 will feature presentations on dealing with personal threats as an elected official, healthy living and the comedic stylings of Danny Adams, “The Facilitator of Fun.”
- MAC’s Annual Business Meeting on Sept. 26 will review and approve MAC’s policy platforms for the coming year.
- Elections will be held for five MAC board seats via regional caucuses on Sept. 25
While the deadline to register for the conference isn’t until Sept. 13, the special hotel room rate will expire on Aug. 23, so county leaders who have yet to make their plans should do so immediately.
For registration questions, first review MAC’s website, then contact Tammi Connell at connell@micounties.org.
Voters endorse almost all county millage requests in August
Voters across Michigan gave broad approval to millage requests from county governments in the August 2024 primary election.
Data provided by the Gongwer News Service shows voters approved 162 of 170 requests on Aug. 6. Voters in Charlevoix County alone approved six different millage renewals and increases for services ranging from recycling and recreation to the county’s medical care facility.
The most common request was for a millage renewal or increase for public safety, with all 44 such requests passing. Of the 31 requests for senior services, 30 were approved.
To see a full list of county-based results, click here.
MDOT seeks comment on 5-year investment plan
The public may provide input on the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Five-Year Transportation Program (5YTP) now through Sept. 3. The five-year plan is released annually to share MDOT’s funding forecast, upcoming projects, economic impacts and investment strategies for the future.
See a digital version of the plan here. This year’s plan focuses on multi-modal transportation, public transportation networks, and resiliency strategies. Funds will be dedicated toward repairing and rebuilding 1,355 highway lane miles and replacing and preserving 161 bridges. For local transit, “78 bus agencies, 4 passenger ferry systems, and 38 specialized service providers” will see investments.
MAC encourages county leaders to review and comment on the plan prior to the Sept. 3 deadline.
For more information on MAC’s infrastructure policy advocacy, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.
Treasury webinar will focus on fundamentals, best practices
The Michigan Department of Treasury and Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) want to make you aware of our next Fiscally Ready Communities training opportunity. This FREE training is a 90-minute webinar that’s designed to assist appointed and elected officials.
The upcoming webinar training will be Thursday, Aug.22, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., with additional sessions available on Sept. 16, 2024, Oct. 21, 2024, and Dec. 12, 2024.
“From Fundamentals to Best Practices”
This program focuses on implementing financial best practices, measuring fiscal health, and local government financial management fundamentals. It will include material on reconciling a bank account, how to read and interpret governmental financial statements, audit prep umbrella, how to complete and file an F65 Report, remitting taxes timely, and how to craft an appropriate and effective audit finding Corrective Action Plan. Participants will also receive resources to support best practice implementation and assess their local unit fiscal health.
For more information about Fiscally Ready Communities, please check out Fiscally Ready Communities webpage. This webpage includes Treasury’s 32-page Fiscally Ready Communities Best Practices document, which we encourage all local officials to review.
If you have any questions, email TreasLocalGov@michigan.gov with the subject line “Fiscally Ready.”
Oct. 15 info event set for broadband funding
Local governments and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can connect and explore partnerships at a matchmaking event on Oct. 15. The Michigan High-Speed Internet office (MIHI) will be hosting “Building Bridges for BEAD” at the Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville.
This is an opportunity for locals and ISPs that are interested in applying for Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding to learn more about potential collaborations. Public and private partnerships will be paramount to the successful deployment of broadband infrastructure across Michigan.
The forum will be “a fast-paced, guided activity” to initiate conversations and allow for networking. To register or learn more, click here.
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MAC on road: Staff visits Clinton and Newaygo counties
MAC staff continue their travel across Michigan and the Midwest this summer (l-r):
- Amy Dolinky and Stephan Currie discussed MAC innovative work on opioid settlement planning with county association executives at a gathering in St. Paul, Minn., this week.
- Samantha Gibson and Madeline Fata attended Newaygo’s board session this month, which included reports from the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan (AAAWM), Sheriff Bob Mendham and Newaygo’s Parks Department. After the meeting, the MAC duo met with Newaygo Chair and MAC Board Director Bryan Kolk.
- Deena Bosworth, Gibson and Fata attended a Clinton board session in late July and then toured the county’s jail facilities. The Board adopted a resolution in support of their local Community Mental Health entity regarding Conflict Free Access and Planning, supported by MAC and linked on our website.
New NACo program to teach county leaders about conflict resolution
America is more polarized than ever before. Tensions exist in all sectors, and especially across government and between county governments and communities. Public meetings are sometimes veering out of control, highlighting the urgency for county leaders to develop strategies and skills to bridge divides and collaborate across differences. County leaders are uniquely trusted by the American people to solve local problems.
In September, Convergence and the National Association of Counties (NACo) are offering county leaders a one-of-a-kind eLearning experience to build their capacities to address these tensions, to bridge divides and to collaboratively solve problems in their community.
The Convergence eLearning Program is an eLearning course that improves county leaders’ capacity to bridge divides, resolve conflict, convene and engage stakeholders and collaboratively solve problems.
Why should I participate in the Convergence eLearning Program?
County leaders are uniquely positioned to solve complex and contentious problems in their communities. This course will improve your capacity to effectively communicate during conflict, to identify common interests and goals, and to use collaborative problem-solving skills and processes to address complex issues in your community.
What kind of commitment will the Convergence eLearning Program require?
The Convergence eLearning Program will include up to six hours of coursework to be completed on your own time and at your own pace. Convergence is also offering 2-3 optional virtual meetings for additional coaching and practice.
As part of this pilot program, participants will be asked to complete a short, online evaluation about their experience.
For more information and to sign up, click here.
Staff picks
- The devil is in the (financial reporting) details (RouteFifty)
- Michigan is no. 1 in nation for land contracts (Pew Trusts)
- Small towns are paying remote workers to move in (RouteFifty)
- Great Lakes’ worst invasive species ranked in new study, from zebra mussels to grass carp (Fox 2 Detroit)
Governor signs FY 2025 budget
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed the FY 2025 budget into law, now designated as Public Act 121 of 2024. This budget brings a host of changes and allocations that impact Michigan counties. The most significant change comes in a $30 million increase in county revenue sharing. This increment is on top of the ongoing funding from FY 2024 and will be distributed to counties based on an inverse relationship to taxable value. The Department of Treasury has yet to finalize the distribution calculations, but updates will be provided as soon as they become available.
Justice System Funding
The County Jail Reimbursement Program receives a $5 per diem rate increase.
Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC)
A total of $37.4 million has been allocated to support grant distributions to district and circuit court funding units for the state’s share of the FY 2025 costs for MIDC standards.
The breakdown is as follows:
- $24.6 million for standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8
- $12.9 million for standards 6 and 7
Kent and Macomb County Judgeships
The budget provides $305,500 for the partial year costs of two new judgeships—one in Kent County’s district court and another in Macomb County’s probate court.
Local Prosecutor Support Grants
To alleviate the workload on county prosecutors, $17 million has been set aside for grants to the 15 counties with the highest rates of violent crime per 1,000 residents. The funds will be distributed based on the population of each county, multiplied by $7.50.
Stormwater Management
The budget includes $10 million in ongoing funding for stormwater management planning grants and $300,200 in one-time funding.
Roads
While the budget does not allocate state dollars for a pilot project on mileage-based user fees, it does provide $74.5 million for 30 “Critical Infrastructure Projects.”
Elections
To support counties with the implementation costs associated with Proposals 1 and 2, and for financial disclosure investment grants, $1.5 million has been allocated.
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs)
An investment of $161.8 million, including 12 full-time employees, is aimed at expanding CCBHCs into additional counties, along with conducting a study on the program.
Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund
$10 million has been designated on a one-time basis for regional community health entities, known as Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans (PIHPs).
Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT)
A one-time fund of $500,000 will create a system for recording and accepting Medicaid reimbursement for emergency transport services.
Runaway and Homeless Youth Grants
The budget includes $5.3 million to support the expansion of runaway and homeless youth programs across various counties, including infrastructure and technology upgrades.
County Child Care Fund
An increase of $9.1 million was appropriated for the County Child Care Fund.
Foster Care Payments
The budget provides $16.9 million for foster care payments.
Housing
An appropriation of $5 million has been allocated for services to unhoused individuals in Genesee County, with an additional $10 million dedicated to affordable housing initiatives in the same region.
For more information on this issue, contact Deena Bosworth at bosworth@micounties.org.
Counties now can sign on to Kroger opioid settlement
In September 2023, a settlement with Kroger was reached. This settlement will pay around $1.2 billion to states and subdivisions nationally and payment will be made over an 11 year period. In Michigan, local governments have the opportunity to sign-on to receive these additional funds between mid-July and mid-August of 2024.
To see the estimated total amount of funds for your county, you can visit MAC’s Opioid Settlement Resource Center website.
For more detailed payment information, such as expected payments by settlement by year, visit the Michigan Department of Attorney General Opioid Settlement Payment Estimator tool.
For mor information or for technical assistance with opioid settlement planning and spending, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.
Michigan gets $130M in federal help for clean energy projects
Nearly $130 million in federal aid will be made available for clean energy projects in Michigan, part of which will be used for financial incentives for locals to welcome utility-scale wind and solar projects to their communities.
The investment will help Michigan meet its goal of 60 percent renewable energy by 2030, a plan that was approved by the Legislature late last year with Public Act 235. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allocated these funds to states that were aggressive in renewable energy policies. Governor Whitmer advocated for the clean energy package, as well as the renewable energy siting reform bills, in order to receive these funds.
The Renewables Ready Communities Award pilot will make available $30 million for local governments “that approve and host utility-scale renewable energy and energy storage through local processes.” Locals can be granted $5,000 per megawatt for projects with at least 50 megawatts of energy. The maximum amount a local can receive is $3 million for a single project.
The remainder of the $129.1 million will be used to incentivize developers to build renewable energy projects brownfield sites, technical support, workforce development and strategic planning.
For more information on this issue, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.
Congressional committee advances changes to child welfare
Legislation to improve federal Title IV-B programs for child welfare and workforce recruitment and retention to serve families in poverty passed unanimously this week in the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means.
H.R. 9076 updates Title IV-B, set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024, which currently lacks significant funding. The improvements, if passed, include a $300 million increase in mandatory funding over four years. This increased funding would assist those suffering from substance use disorders, improve child welfare legal proceedings, and dedicated funding for tribes.
MAC and NACo support H.R. 9076, allowing counties to continue to provide quality services to at-risk children and their families involved in the child welfare system.
For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.
Legislative Update takes mid-summer hiatus
MAC’s weekly email blast to members, Legislative Update, will not be released on Friday, Aug. 2 or Friday, Aug. 9 due to staff attendance at MAC and regional events.
Legislative Update will return to its regular Friday releases on Friday, Aug. 16.
Staff picks
- State budgets are downsizing (Pew Trusts)
- New state funding not enough to solve shortage of prosecutors, counties say (Bridge Michigan)
- What does an overdose prevention center look like? (OPCIinfo.org)
- Michigan wildlife officials discuss changing state’s deer hunt regulations (Michigan Public Radio)
Fifteen counties to receive local prosecutor grant funding in state budget
Fifteen of the 83 counties will receive some of a $17 million appropriation in the state’s FY25 budget for their prosecutor’s office to reduce the caseload per attorney. These grants are meant to address the severe prosecutor shortage plaguing every county in Michigan.
The $17 million will allow eligible counties to raise assistant prosecutor salaries and make prosecutor’s offices in those counties more competitive and attractive to prospective employees.
Eligible counties include Berrien, Calhoun, Crawford, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Luce, Muskegon, Saginaw, Schoolcraft and Washtenaw.
MAC’s long-term goal is for the state to provide funding to all 83 counties for prosecutor offices and close the gap on the statewide prosecutor shortage.
For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.
Podcast 83 episode explores reality of financial hardship in Michigan
How county leaders can assist the growing number of Michigan households experiencing financial hardship is the focus of a special episode of Podcast 83.
Host Stephan Currie welcomed two special guests to discuss a recent report on financial hardships and an important informational tool for families to access help:
- Kaitlynn Lamie, president and CEO of the Michigan Association of United Ways
- Sarah Kile, director of community and partner engagement for Michigan 211
“ALICE is a study that stands for ‘Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed,’” explained Lamie. “We now have 10 years of ALICE data, and this is really looking at folks who are working, yet still struggling to make ends meet.
“The newest data (from May) showed that we have 100,000 new households in Michigan that fall below that ALICE threshold,” she added.
With these additions, 41 percent of Michigan households are below the threshold.
Those households, though, can connect for assistance via 211.
“Every county in Michigan is covered with a simple three-digit number when you’re looking for assistance,” said Kile. “So, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. We have trained, nationally accredited folks who ― 24 hours a day, seven days a week ― are waiting to find resources for individuals in your community. The most common are housing, food, utilities ― the basic needs.
“There are so many county commissioners, county leaders all over who’ve supported 211, whether it’s letters of support for funding or letters of support to get the service in their community,” she added.
To learn more about how the Association of United Ways can assist county leaders in understanding and responding to their local needs, view the full episode, recorded on June 3, by clicking here.
Previous episodes can be seen at MAC’s YouTube Channel.
And you always can find details about Podcast 83 on the MAC website.
AI report, elections highlight 2024 NACo Annual Conference
“The advent of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) worldwide presents unique opportunities and challenges for county governments,” states a new report from a National Association of Counties (NACo) committee that spent more than a year studying the issue.
Presentation of the report was one of just many activities at the NACo Annual Conference, held in Hillsborough County, Fla. MAC First Vice President Melissa Daub of Wayne led a Michigan delegation to the conference that included 27 commissioners from 13 counties.
Sonoma County, Calif., Supervisor James Gore was sworn in July 15 as NACo’s new president at the association’s Annual Business Meeting. At the same session, Michigan delegates participated in the election of George Dunlap of Mecklenburg County, N.C., as NACo second vice president.
“Four key themes emerged during our committee’s year-long exploration of generative artificial intelligence: Preparing the Workforce, Establishing an Ethical Framework, Promoting Policy Models and Enabling Responsible Applications. Each theme prompted our committee to study the impact of generative artificial intelligence deeply, specifically through the lens of county governance,” committee co-chairs Andy Brown of Travis County, Texas, and Gregg Weiss of Palm Beach County, Fla., wrote in the AI report.
“The goal of this report and toolkit is to enable county government to recognize low-risk versus high-risk implementations of artificial intelligence and generative artificial intelligence and address the challenges that both bring to local government,” they added.
NACo webinar to focus on federal rules on website accessibility
A national webinar on July 24 will focus on new federal requirements for county websites and mobile apps.
“The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently issued their final guidance to implement technical standards for counties to achieve web-based accessibility for county websites and mobile applications. Join NACo as we hear from the DOJ for an overview of the new guidance, ask questions regarding the guidance, and engage in a county panel to discuss implementation strategies, challenges, and opportunities for counties.”
The webinar will run from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern.
Click here to register.
If you have any registration questions, contact nacomeetings@naco.org.
MAC on the road in Wayne County
MAC’s Madeline Fata attended a session of the Wayne County Board. Commissioners on July 18, during which they board approved a contract to provide shuttle services for employees between an off-site parking lot and the county’s Criminal Justice Complex. After the meeting, Fata (center) met with Commissioner Melissa Daub (left) and Board Chair Alisha Bell.
Staff picks
- Juvenile lifers can be ordered to pay restitution on resentencing, Mich. Supreme Court rules (Michigan Public Radio)|
- Lifesaving drugs and police projects mark first use of opioid settlement cash in California (Kaiser Health News)
- Kent Co. court specializing in domestic violence to launch soon (WZZM)
- Gas taxes can’t pay for roads much longer, but Amazon deliveries might (RouteFifty)
