The Michigan Association of Counties (MAC)

Legislative Update 4-21-23

Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, MACSC, Marketing, NACo

Legislative Conference begins 3-day run on Monday

Nearly 300 county leaders, policy experts and others will converge on Lansing on Monday for the start of the 2023 Michigan Counties Legislative Conference, the first major conference of MAC’s 125th Anniversary year.

Attendees may check in for the conference starting at noon at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Lansing. Light snacks will be available in the registration area.

Policy breakouts get under way for MAC members at 2 p.m., with sessions on Michigan’s trails system, the trial court funding crisis and the impact of electric vehicles on road funding in our state.

Plenary sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday will feature:

  • Matthew Chase, CEO of the National Association of Counties
  • Chris Harkins, Michigan’s state budget director
  • A legislative leadership panel

Commissioners attending the conference also will participate in MAC caucus elections on Tuesday to fill five seats on the MAC Board of Directors.

A Legislative Reception on Tuesday evening will feature the presentation of MAC’s County Advocate Awards to Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Sen. Jon Bumstead (R-Muskegon).

See conference agenda.
See full conference program.

For more information on the conference, visit MAC’s website.

 

MAC-backed public notices bill filed in House

Legislation creating the framework to allow public bodies to post their notices digitally to save time and money is back before the Legislature.

Under House Bill 4428, by Rep. Kevin Coleman (D-Wayne), local units would no longer be required to post their notices in a newspaper but only share them online. This would modernize public notices law, save counties time and money and create more avenues for our citizens to receive public notices.

HB 4428 is identical to a bill he sponsored last term that was not enacted. MAC supported this legislation the last time around, with MAC’s Deena Bosworth testifying before the House Oversight Committee on its behalf.

The Michigan Press Association has long opposed this concept because its members rely on the fees they charge locals for publishing such notices.

This bill is just the first of more than 100 bills that will be necessary to implement the change. HB 4428 will serve as the framework, while the trailer bills will amend each statute requiring the notice to be published in a newspaper.

HB 4428 has been referred to the House Committee on Local Government and Municipal Finance. MAC plans to support the bill.

For more information on this issue, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.

 

Legislative panels cut governor’s request on indigent defense

There would be fewer dollars for the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) in fiscal 2024 than the governor has requested under spending plans approved by House and Senate subcommittees this week.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Budget included a $72 million increase to MIDC grant funding as a response to the state’s approval of Standard 8, the Attorney Compensation Standard. However, the subcommittees rejected this approach.

House Bill 4280 includes a $57.2 million increase, totaling their MIDC budget to $206 million. Senate Bill 195 includes a $59 million increase, totaling the Senate version of the MIDC budget to $208.7 million. The governor’s recommended full funding for MIDC is $220 million.

The MIDC grant funding that is allocated to counties, so long as they comply with the state-approved Standards 1-8.

MAC is continuously working to ensure the state provides full funding to counties via MIDC grant dollars, as they are mandated to do. While it is still early in the budget process, and there is potential for the MIDC appropriation to increase, it is important to note that without full funding provided by the state, counties are not mandated to comply with Standard 8.

For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.

 

Financial strains on legal staffing are subject of special podcast episode

In a special episode, Podcast 83 delves into the growing financial strain on counties imposed by directives of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.

Host Stephan Currie and MAC staffers Deena Bosworth and Samantha Gibson discussed the state panel’s work and its impacts with two of its members:

  • Margaret McAvoy, former Isabella County administrator
  • Andrew DeLeeuw, interim deputy county administrator for Washtenaw County

The pair talked about their experience on the commission, which “was created by legislation in 2013 after an advisory commission recommended improvements to the state’s legal system. The MIDC works to ensure the state’s public defense system is fair, cost-effective and constitutional while simultaneously protecting public safety and accountability,” and the importance of its work.

Gibson reviewed the of MIDC’s new standard 8 on prosecuting attorney offices and staffing.

See the full video of the session, taped on April 12, 2023.

Previous episodes can be seen at MAC’s YouTube Channel.

And you always can find details about Podcast 83 on the MAC website.

 

Additional templates posted to assist with opioid settlement planning

MAC has released additional supplemental documents to the Michigan Opioid Settlements Funds Toolkit: A Guide for Local Spending. The new templates include:

  • Request for Proposals and Associated Budget Template (PDF)(Word) (Excel)
    • Files created to assist counties with looking to solicit proposals for funding from community-based organizations, entities and groups.
  • Vendor/Contractor Agreement (PDF)(Word)
    • Modeled after Monroe County contract; created to accompany the funds that would be allocated to entities outside the County and govern the terms and conditions and requirements. This serves as financial management practice to ensure funds disbursed are utilized in alignment with the settlements and county constraints.
  • Pass Through Entity Agreement (PDF)(Word)
    • File created to aid with contracting with pass-through entities, whether utilizing the external organization to subcontract all or a percentage of the settlement funds.
  • Public-facing Planning Process Document (PDF)(Word)
    • Document created to share publicly for counties looking to inform community members of the planning process undertaken by the county. This document is also intended to inform the community of anticipated stakeholder engagement and request for proposals processes.

If you have specific templates that you would like created, or questions, contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.

 

Environmental spending plans head in different directions

Subcommittees in the Michigan House and Senate this week took notably different avenues on plans for water infrastructure and other items advanced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in her fiscal 2024 budget.

The House Appropriations Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Subcommittee got creative, recommending $100 million more than the governor did by replacing hundreds of millions in state General Fund dollars with federal funding.

Most notably, the governor proposed $225.8 million in General Fund for replacing lead service lines and providing technical assistance to communities, but the House reduced that amount to $110 million, supplemented by $100 million in federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund dollars.

Also from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund, the House EGLE subcommittee recommended new line items for drinking water asset management, drinking water filtration devices in schools and child-care centers and infrastructure improvement projects for drinking water, storm water and wastewater.

By contrast, the Senate Appropriations Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Subcommittee reduced the governor’s original proposal from $1.3 billion to $1.08 billion. The main reductions came from her recommendations for regional renewable energy facilities, groundwater data collection and contaminated site clean-up.

The subcommittee chairs will meet shortly to concur on one version. The budget must be finalized before the end of June, though legislators can finish earlier.

For more information on this issue, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.

 

Senate Democrats introduce renewable power bills

Michigan utilities would have to produce 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources under legislation introduced in Lansing this week.

To achieve this, the seven-bill package, Senate Bills 271-277, would also eliminate coal-fired electricity-generating plants by 2030. Sens. Sam Singh (D-Ingham) and Sue Shink (D-Washtenaw) are leading the efforts to eradicate all greenhouse gas emissions from power generation as part of the Clean Energy Future Plan.

The bills also make the Michigan Public Service Commission will be responsible for evaluating the utility’s integrated resources plan. Their plans must demonstrate progress toward phasing out greenhouse gases, eliminating adverse effects on human health and reducing harm to the health, safety, and welfare of communities subject to environmental injustice.

Other provisions in the package include:

  • reducing carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 25 percent by 2035;
  • creating a Michigan Construction Decarbonization Strategic Plan to reduce emissions from heating homes and businesses by 17 percent by 2030; and
  • allowing farmers in the state’s PA 116 program to preserve farmland to rent their properties for solar operations and stay in the preservation program.

While this may appear a massive undertaking, Consumers Energy already has announced a plan to eliminate coal in its operations by 2025.

The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment. MAC has not taken a position on the legislation.

For more information on this issue, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.

 

Bill would restore local control over plastic bag regulations

Local control over the retail use of plastic bags would be restored under a bill introduced in March.

Senate Bill 228, by Sen. Sue Shink (D-Washtenaw), would allow local governments to determine whether to allow plastic bags in their communities. The legislation stems from concerns over the impact plastic bags can have on our environment, as they tend to end up as litter or non-recycled waste. SB 228 will grant locals the authority to weigh the environmental impacts and regulate their use as they see fit.

Banning plastic bags outright is not the only option permitted in this bill; locals could impose a fee or tax for using them.

SB 228 would reverse the state restrictions on local action adopted in Public Act PA 389 of 2016 signed by Gov. Rick Snyder.

Several states currently allow municipalities to regulate bag use, and major cities such as Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles have plastic bag bans on the books. Eight states have statewide bans: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New York, Oregon and Vermont.

The bill was sent to the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment. MAC has not yet taken a position on this legislation.

For more information on this issue, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.

 

State offers grants for town halls on mental health, substance use issues

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about substance use and mental health conditions have grown.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ (MDHHS) Substance Use, Gambling and Epidemiology Section (SUGE) is seeking applications from organizations to conduct Community Town Hall meetings that:

  • Address the impact of this public health crisis on populations, especially disparate or underserved populations.
  • Help raise awareness about coping with COVID-19 by sharing informational materials based on the latest research.
  • Determine community concerns and disseminate relevant resources to address priority areas: underage drinking, marijuana, prescription drugs/opioids, tobacco and mental health.

Apply now to conduct a Community Town Hall Event!                                                        

The Community Town Hall must occur on or before Aug. 31, 2023.

  • Applications will be accepted through May 31, 2023, on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Limited to 75 organizations.
  • $1,500 per Community Town Hall. You will be reimbursed for actual costs up to $1,500 through a contract with our training logistics contractor: Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHAM).
  • MDHHS has the ability to deny an organization’s application.

Funding can be used for expenses such as:

  • Speakers
  • Panel discussions
  • Venues
  • Evaluation efforts
  • Technology (if applicable)

Funding cannot be used for:

  • Promotional items, including but not limited to clothing, commemorative items such as pens, mugs/cups, folders/folios, lanyards, and conference bags.
  • Direct payments to individuals to participate in prevention services. Note: Prevention provider may provide up to $30 non-cash incentive to participate in data collection follow-up.
  • Meals are generally unallowable.

Community Needs Assessment resources for your reference:

If there are any questions or if you are experiencing technical issues with the application, please contact Lisa Coleman at ColemanL7@michigan.gov and Jamie Meister at MeisterJ1@michigan.gov.

 

Capital assets are focus of April 24 Treasury webinar

The Michigan Department of Treasury and Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) are hosting the next Fiscally Ready Communities training opportunity on April 24. This FREE training is a 90-minute webinar that’s designed to assist appointed and elected officials.

Capital Asset Management and Planning

Recurring annual expenses are simple to budget, but repair and replacement of big-ticket items can be much more difficult. A Capital Improvement Program (CIP) will help your local government organize those major projects and forecast the expenses to make long-term planning simpler. This session will cover the basics of a CIP, best practices, and give participants a chance to share techniques that have worked for their community, as well as policies, procedures, and accounting for capital asset management and plan.

The webinar runs on Monday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (EST).

Register now.

For more information about Fiscally Ready Communities, please check out the Treasury 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.”

 

Legislative Update 4-14-23

Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, MACSC, Marketing, NACo

State budget director added as conference keynoter

Harkins

Chris Harkins, director of the Michigan State Budget Office, will deliver a keynote address on Tuesday, April 25 at the 2023 Michigan Counties Legislative Conference.

Harkins is expected to give an overview of the Michigan budget situation for fiscal year 2024, respond to a variety of topics posed by MAC staff and take questions from the conference audience.

To learn more about Harkins and all of the conference speakers, click here.

Registration continues for the three-day conference, but members are urged to act quickly, as online registration winds down on April 19. (On-site registration from April 24-26 will be available.)

Other sessions and events not to miss at this year’s conference include:

  • A discussion with the Legislative Leadership led by MAC’s director of governmental affairs, Deena Bosworth
  • “A National Perspective on the County Landscape and Priorities” by Matt Chase, executive director of the National Association of Counties
  • A MAC Legislative Update from MAC’s Governmental Affairs staff
  • A State of MAC report from MAC Executive Director Stephan Currie
  • Remarks from MAC President Stan Ponstein of Kent County
  • A Legislative Reception on the evening of Tuesday, April 25, during which MAC will present its County Advocate Awards for legislative service in 2022.

HOTEL UPDATE: The main conference hotel is now SOLD OUT. If you still need a room, we recommend contacting the Marriott Courtyard in downtown Lansing (approximately 2 blocks from the Lansing Center) at 517-367-6677.

Click here to register.
See conference agenda.

For additional details on hotel rooms, registration pricing, parking and more, visit the conference page on MAC’s website.

 

MAC-led coalition helps delay changes on mineral brine rules

New, stricter rules on acquiring and using mineral brine on roadways were delayed by the state after a group of legislators and stakeholders, including MAC, convinced the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to further study the matter.

In February, EGLE announced it would enforce new rules on brine on April 1. Mineral brine is a product used by road agencies to suppress dust on dirt roads and control ice. However, EGLE did not consult industry experts or provide evidence to support these added restrictions.

The County Road Association (CRA) held an emergency meeting in March with their members, MAC and the Michigan Township Association (MTA) to discuss the impact of these changes and the lack of transparency by EGLE. Dozens of county road commissioners expressed how vital mineral brine is for dust control, and how limiting its use could have devastating effects on rural communities and the health of residents in those areas.

The group also discussed mineral brine’s ability to mitigate ice during winter months. As many of you know, the freeze/thaw cycle leads to cracks in our roads. Limiting the use of mineral brine for ice control would cause our roads to deteriorate even further.

With this input, CRA, MTA and MAC urged EGLE to hold off. Additionally, last week, a group of 29 state representatives published a letter urging EGLE to work with industry experts before making any changes to brine rules. While EGLE has expressed a willingness to meet with the stakeholder group in the coming weeks, it still intends to make changes of some kind to the rules. MAC will continue to engage on this issue and will inform you of any updates down the road (pun intended).

For more information on this issue, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.

 

NACo issues update about ARPA rules and reporting

“Earlier this week, Treasury released updated FAQs that outline how the termination of the COVID-19 National Emergency affects the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds eligible uses,” the National Association of Counties (NACo) advised MAC and other county associations.

“Generally, counties will be able to continue investing ARPA funds as they currently are, there is one key difference as it relates to premium pay for essential workers. Key highlights of the FAQ include:

  • Premium pay for essential workers: Treasury’s Final Rule states that counties can use ARPA dollars to provide premium pay to eligible workers performing essential worker during the COVID-19 public health emergency, which is only eligible when there is an active Public Health Emergency (PHE). Therefore, counties MAY NOT USE ARPA funds to provide premium pay to essential workers for work conducted AFTER the end of the National Emergency (ended on April 10, 2023). Counties may continue to use ARPA funds to provide premium pay to essential workers for work conducted BEFORE the termination of the National Emergency.
    • Outside of premium pay, counties can continue to use ARPA funds to support workers through the public health and negative economic impacts eligible use category.

“The other eligible use categories are not affected by the termination of the National Emergency. Key highlights of the FAQ for the other categories include:

  • Public health and negative economic impacts: Counties may continue to use funds to respond to public health and negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is not affected by the termination of the National Emergency. Counties may continue to invest funds as they have been since they certified.
  • Revenue loss: The end of the National Emergency does not impact how counties calculate revenue loss according to the formula articulated in the final rule.  The end of the National Emergency also does not have an impact on how recipients claim up to $10 million in revenue loss under the standard allowance.
  • Water, sewer and broadband infrastructure: The end of the National Emergency does not have an impact on how counties may use ARPA funds under the water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure eligible use category.

“On a related note, please make sure your members are aware of the upcoming Project and Expenditure (P&E) Report April 30, 2023 deadline – all counties are required to submit a report. NACo is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, April 19 at 4 p.m. ET to review steps for how to submit a P&E Report and highlight new reporting requirements. To register for the webinar, click here.”

 

Litigation, legislative inaction put trial court funding in jeopardy

In a special episode of Podcast 83 released this week, MAC details the long-simmering crisis in trial court funding that soon may come to a boil in Lansing.

Samantha Gibson, MAC’s legislative point person on court issues, reviews the crisis with Podcast 83 host Stephan Currie and Deena Bosworth, MAC’s director of governmental affairs.

In this episode:

  • Gibson provides an overview on the court funding dilemma: how we got here, next steps and current litigation
  • Plans are detailed for implementing the 2019 Trial Court Funding Commission’s recommendations via legislative action in Lansing
  • Learn more about Plan B: Emergency funding of $46 million to keep courts operating if the Michigan Supreme Court rules in People v. Johnson before the Legislature acts on funding recommendations

See the full video session, originally recorded on April 10, 2023.

Previous episodes can be seen at MAC’s YouTube Channel.

And you always can find details about Podcast 83 on the MAC website.

 

State wants public input on infrastructure goals

Got an opinion on Michigan’s roads? The Michigan Infrastructure Council (MIC) is seeking input from Michigan residents on the status of our state’s infrastructure.

MIC is currently developing a 30-year Integrated Infrastructure Strategy to “build a comprehensive, integrated asset management approach to help the state, regions, local governments, and asset owners make informed strategic decisions and wise investments in infrastructure which will serve as a foundation for the future.”

In order to do so, MIC is conducting a survey about Michigan’s roads, broadband infrastructure, stormwater systems, utilities, etc. They are asking the public to weigh in so they can develop their priorities moving forward.

Please consider taking the survey and sharing it with members of your community.

For more information on MAC’s infrastructure policies, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
MAC discusses legislative strategy with other county groups

MAC President Stan Ponstein, Executive Director Stephan Currie and the association’s advocacy team met with representatives of countywide elected officials on April 10 to discuss looming issues and legislative strategies for 2023. These “County Summits” are a regular part of MAC’s schedule to coordinate legislative information and strategy.

 

House committee holds hearing on criminal justice reform bill

Legislation backed by MAC to advance reforms to criminal justice law received a hearing this week before the House Criminal Justice Committee.

House Bill 4173, by Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Wayne), would create the Criminal Justice Policy Commission in the Legislative Council. The commission would be tasked with analyzing corrections-related data and developing modifications to sentencing guidelines.

The commission would have 16 members, one of whom would be appointed by MAC to represent counties. The governor would appoint the following members before June 1, 2023: one circuit court judge, one district court judge, one individual representing prosecuting attorneys, one individual representing criminal defense attorneys, one individual representing the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association; one individual representing the Michigan Department of Corrections; one previously incarcerated individual; two criminologists; one individual representing community corrections agencies; and the MAC nominee. All members appointed by the governor will be provided via recommendation from their respective associations.

Commission members would serve for four years, aside from the initial members, who would serve terms of staggered years. The commission is also required to conduct business in accordance with the state’s Open Meetings Act.

MAC supports HB 4173 and partnership with the state and law enforcement agencies to advance criminal justice reform.

For more information on this issue, contact Samantha Gibson at gibson@micounties.org.

 

Legislative Update 4-7-23

Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, MACSC, NACo

2 bill packages could boost or stabilize county revenue

Two bill packages were introduced in Lansing in late March that could serve to stabilize revenues for counties and create more predictability in revenues. 

The first package, Senate Bills 229 and 230, by Sen. Veronica Klinefelt (D-Macomb) creates a “Revenue Sharing Trust Fund,” which is a big priority for MAC this year.

With this trust fund, the legislation would require a percentage of the state sales tax be deposited into the fund and prescribe an equitable distribution from of half to counties and half to cities, villages and townships (CVTs).

If enacted, counties could see an increase of at least 43 percent on their current revenue sharing in the first year alone. Additional increases would be based on the growth of the state’s sales tax.

The bills, developed by MAC in consultation with Sen. Klinefelt and others, have been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance and Consumer Protection.

The second package creates an optional structure for the taxes levied on solar facilities in Michigan.

House Bills 4317 and 4318, by Reps. Curt VanderWall (R-Mason) and Cynthia Neeley (D-Genesee) respectively, would allow for the creation of solar energy districts by local municipalities after a mandatory public hearing. Subsequently, solar energy developers could apply for an exemption from local property taxes and instead pay a flat rate of $7,000 per megawatt of nameplate capacity for the proposed solar energy facility, instead of ad valorem property taxes. The payment would be locked in for 20 years and distributed based on the proportions of normal taxes that would have been paid to each taxing unit. 

An additional financial incentive would be offered for developers that choose to site their facilities on brownfield properties, in opportunity zones, as a secondary use on already improved real property (i.e., roof tops) or on state-owned property. In such cases, the reimbursement rate would be $2,000 per megawatt of nameplate capacity. 

The impetus behind the legislation is twofold. First, this methodology for compensating locals for lost taxes will provide financial predictability for the developers and the locals, hopefully avoiding the same problems we have had with the challenges to the evaluation of wind turbines. Second, the rate and process should serve as incentives for developers to build more renewable energy facilities.  

The bills have been referred to the House Tax Policy Committee. After years of participation on workgroups to ensure local options, a stable funding source, appropriate zoning considerations and adequate local reimbursements, MAC has taken a neutral position on HBs 4317-18.

For more information on these issues, contact Deena Bosworth at bosworth@micounties.org.

 

Legislative leadership panel will highlight conference’s third day

Leaders from the majority and minority parties in both chambers of the Michigan Legislature will join MAC for a discussion on their priorities and what has changed in Lansing since Democrats gained the majority in the House and Senate for the first time in 40 years. They also will be asked for their views on a variety of county priorities in 2023. The discussion will be moderated by Deena Bosworth, MAC’s director of governmental affairs.

The panel will include:

  • House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Wayne
  • House Minority Floor Leader Bryan Posthumus, R-Kent
  • Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Kent
  • Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Cass

This special session will run from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26.

Other sessions and events not to miss at this year’s conference include:

  • “A National Perspective on the County Landscape and Priorities” by Matt Chase, executive director of the National Association of Counties
  • A MAC Legislative Update from MAC’s Governmental Affairs staff
  • A State of MAC report from MAC Executive Director Stephan Currie
  • Remarks from MAC President Stan Ponstein of Kent County
  • An “Opioids Help Desk” where MAC’s Amy Dolinky will answers questions on opioid settlement fund planning
  • A Legislative Reception on the evening of Tuesday, April 25, during which MAC will present its County Advocate Awards for legislative service in 2022.

HOTEL UPDATE: The main conference hotel is now SOLD OUT. If you still need a room, we recommend contacting the Marriott Courtyard in downtown Lansing (approximately 2 blocks from the Lansing Center) at 517-367-6677.

Click here to register.
See conference agenda.

For additional details on registration pricing, parking and more, visit the conference page on MAC’s website.

 

Calling for transparency on opioid settlement investments

Last week, following the release of the Michigan Opioid Advisory Commission’s inaugural report calling for increased transparency of state spending, Kaiser Health News (KHN) reported on a need for transparency among state and local governments around opioid settlement funds.

The story was followed up by a Twitter feed outlining core issues and a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) more detailed spend plan that has not been made publicly available before. The KHN reporter, Aneri Pattani, outlines how challenging it was to obtain this information. The spend plan that KHN was able to obtain differs from the spend plan released to the public by MDHHS on Feb. 10, even though both plans are share the same date.

National guidance from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health outlines five core principles for use of opioid settlement funds. Principle 5 specifies the need for community engagement and transparency in the planning and investment process. The KHN article also links to an interactive map, created by Christine Minhee, founder of OpioidSettlementTracker.com, showing the percentage of funds states have promised to publicly report on, outlining that the state of Michigan has no current plans to report on use of settlement funds.

County leaders should ensure community engagement in their settlement planning and consider ways in which transparency can be provided throughout all steps of the process. Consideration should be given to the different types of publicly available information that can be provided, from open meetings, public meeting minutes, listening sessions, town hall meetings all the way to annual reporting on expenditures and activities.

For assistance on anything related to opioid settlement planning, please contact Amy Dolinky at dolinky@micounties.org.

 

U.S. Treasury portal now open; P&E reports due by April 30

“All counties must submit an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Coronavirus Fiscal Recovery Fund (Recovery Fund) Project and Expenditure (P&E) Report to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) by April 30, 2023,” the National Association of Counties reminded in a post this week. “These required, periodic reports provide Treasury with financial and current performance information on projects using Recovery Funds. To help counties navigate the reporting process, the Treasury has released several resources that answer many of counties’ most common questions. 

“The Project and Expenditure Report User Guide takes counties step-by-step through the reporting portal and gives more details on what information Treasury wants for some programmatic questions. The guide includes screenshots of the Treasury Portal, showing counties what questions they can expect to answer for each project. This document is a supplement to Treasury’s compliance and reporting guidance.

“For the April P&E Reports, Treasury announced new information that counties are required to submit: These updates apply to all counties unless a county allocated its entire ARPA allocation towards the $10 million revenue loss standard allowance.

“Please note that there is new information that is required for these April P&E Reports. Counties are now required to include the following information (these requirements DO NOT apply to expenditures that are paid for using lost revenue – EC 6.1):

  1. Unique Entity ID Requirements for Subrecipients and Contractors: All subrecipients and contractors are required to have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and have that number included as part of the reporting process. The UEI is the replacement for the previously used DUNS numbers, and they are issued by SAM.gov. While this requirement is not new, starting in April 2023’s P&E Report the report form will now return an error when no valid UEI is provided when creating new Subrecipient or Contractor entities. This was previously not explicitly required, but strongly urged by Treasury.
     
    1. Treasury has stated that for the April 2023 P&E reporting form, if a pre-existing subrecipient or contractor record does not have a UEI, the system will simply flag it as a warning but not prevent them from submission of the entire P&E report.
    2. However, ANY NEW subrecipient or contractor records will be required to have their UEIs provided and they cannot create those entities without one.
    3. Treasury has stated they DO NOT KNOW how long they will be able to keep this flexibility available after April 2023 so counties should get their UEIs together ASAP.
  1. New Subaward/Direct Payments Entity Type: All Subawards/Direct Payments records will be required to have an “entity type” selected before a subaward can be created. This field will capture whether the entity receiving the award or payment is a Subrecipient, Contractor, or Beneficiary. If a county attempts to create a new subaward for a subrecipient without a populated entity type field will result in an error. 

For more information, please see Treasury’s Recipient Compliance and Reporting Guidance page.

 

Apply by May 30 for federal grants on EV charging infrastructure

Applications are due by May 30 for a new federal grant program dedicated to electric vehicle charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has allocated $2.5 billion for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program. Counties will be eligible as long as the planned infrastructure is publicly accessible along designated highways, interstates and major roadways.

In February, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed an unprecedented investment in electric vehicles during her budget presentation. Her recommendations included $45 million for local governments to convert their fleets to EVs, $65 million for charging infrastructure both commercially and at-home, $48.8 million to temporarily suspend the sales tax on electric vehicles and $150 million for electric school buses.

As electric vehicles grow in popularity, communities will need to invest in charging infrastructure to accommodate drivers. This grant program is a great opportunity to utilize federal dollars for this essential equipment. Please review the USDOT notice of funding to learn more.

For more information on MAC’s infrastructure efforts, contact Madeline Fata at fata@micounties.org.

 

NACo extends deadline to apply for Achievement Awards

The deadline for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards applications  has been extended to Friday, April 14 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

By participating, your county can earn local and national recognition for your county’s groundbreaking efforts and share ideas with your peers across the country. Achievement Award winners have been featured in local media and in County News. Additionally, NACo often spotlights award-winning programs in congressional testimony and hearings, White House and federal agency briefings, publications, and other county storytelling.

This year, counties will receive recognition in 18 categories covering a wide spectrum of county responsibilities. All winners receive an award certificate and customizable press releases. The 18 “best of category” winners will receive special recognition at the 2023 NACo Annual Conference.

Click here to apply.

 

Staff picks

Legislative Update 3-31-23

Blog, Events, Legislative, MAC news, MACSC, Marketing, NACo

Large field of candidates to vie for MAC Board seats

Fourteen county commissioners from across Michigan have filed to fill five vacant board seats on the MAC Board of Directors in elections to be held at the 2023 Legislative Conference, April 24-26.

“This is the largest field of candidates we’ve had in recent memory,” said Stephan Currie, MAC’s executive director, “so it’s important that we have the best possible participation in the elections on April 25.”

The 16-member MAC Board is the association’s governing body. It meets four times per year.

Candidates for these special elections are:

Region II
  • Neil Ahrens, Emmet
  • Lauren Flynn, Grand Traverse
  • Art Jeannot, Benzie
  • Bryan Kolk, Newaygo
  • Jarris Rubingh, Antrim
Region III
  • Ryan Laylin, Cass
  • Tom Matthew, Branch
  • Tami Rey, Kalamazoo
  • Rick Shaffer, St. Joseph
Region IV
  • Irene Cahill, Ingham
  • Dwight Washington, Clinton
Region V
  • Sarah Lucido, Macomb
  • Terry Marecki, Wayne
Region VI
  • Donald O’Farrell, Iosco
Election procedures
  • Only commissioners who register for the Legislative Conference (see item below) may participate in the regional caucuses that fill these seats.
  • Regional Board seats are filled by elections in which each COUNTY gets ONE vote.
  • The caucuses will begin at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25 in the Lansing Center. (Exact room assignments will be released immediately prior to the conference.)
  • Each candidate provided a statement of candidacy with their filing. See below. (If you are not sure which Region your county is in, please consult this list.)
  • See statements from each candidate and more details about the election by clicking here.

 

Conference will provide substantial info on opioid settlements

With counties now deep into planning on how to deploy funds from national opioid settlements, the 2023 Legislative Conference will be a great aid to county leaders interested in learning more on the subject.

On Tuesday morning, April 25, a breakout will focus on “helping counties learn about best practices on treatment and prevention. It is critical for counties to use evidence-based practices and respond to the needs of their communities, which are facing even higher rates of opioid overdose deaths since the COVID-19 pandemic began.”

In addition, Amy Dolinky, MAC’s technical adviser on opioid settlement planning, will be stationed at an “Opioids Help Desk” in the registration area to respond to inquiries from conference-goers. Among topics Dolinky can address are:

  • Understanding the opioid settlement landscape and allowable uses of funding
  • Guidance for community engagement and engaging those with lived experience and persons that use drugs
  • Assistance with community needs assessments and strategic planning efforts
  • Support in development of spending plans
  • Preparation for current and future reporting  
  • Linkage to additional resources and support

Early-bird registration (member rate of $405) continues to April 3 for the conference, the first of MAC’s two signature events for our 125th Anniversary year.

This year’s event will be April 24-26 in Lansing, with sessions at both the Radisson Hotel and the Lansing Center. The event is co-hosted by the Michigan County Medical Care Facilities Council (MCMFC).

Click here to register.

Plenary sessions will feature:

  • A discussion with the Legislative “Quadrant” (the four senior officials in the House and Senate) led by MAC’s director of governmental affairs, Deena Bosworth
  • “A National Perspective on the County Landscape and Priorities” by Matt Chase, executive director of the National Association of Counties
  • A MAC Legislative Update from MAC’s Governmental Affairs staff
  • A State of MAC report from MAC Executive Director Stephan Currie
  • Remarks from MAC President Stan Ponstein of Kent County

A Legislative Reception on the evening of Tuesday, April 25, during which MAC will present its County Advocate Awards for legislative service in 2022.

See conference agenda.

For additional details on hotel rooms, registration pricing, parking and more, visit the conference page on MAC’s website.

 

Special episode delves into rising issue of lake levels across Michigan

In a special episode of Podcast 83, MAC’s Deena Bosworth discusses the rising issue of inland lake levels with a legal expert on county responsibilities for lakes.

Stacy Hissong, general counsel for the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners and member of the law firm of Fahey Schultz, reviews both the unique role of Michigan’s county drain commissioners and the challenges that counties face on the approximately 400 inland lakes for which they have operational responsibility.

In this episode, learn more about:

  • What officer determines the lake level on a lake that a county is responsible for
  • Techniques that are used to maintain a proper lake level
  • Challenges now confronting counties on lake control

See the full video session, originally recorded on Feb. 21, 2023, 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.

 

Pension grants are focus of April 6 Treasury webinar

The Michigan Department of Treasury will host the initial webinar to review the Protecting MI Pension: Michigan Local Pension Grant Program on April 6. This initial webinar will focus on the processes that local governments will use to complete and submit an application, along with the process for review and award distribution. Subsequent webinars will focus on technical aspects related to the Protecting MI Pension Grant program, as well as frequently asked questions.

Register for April 6, 2023, Webinar

Topics will include: Bureau of Local Government and School Services – Trusted Partner Model, Overview of Protecting MI Pension Grant Program, Eligibility Requirements, Grant Application Process, Program Award Distribution Process, Key Dates and Timeline, and Next Steps.

Additional information related to FAQs, program guidelines, and application materials will be available at www.Michigan.gov/MIPensionGrant no later than April 15, 2023. Please be sure to sign up for Treasury – Local Government email alerts to be notified of additional updates to this grant program and other local government notifications. 

Questions regarding the Protecting MI Pension Grant can be directed to Treasury at Treasury-MIPensionGrant@Michigan.gov.

 

Staff picks

Large field of candidates will vie for MAC Board seats at 2023 Legislative Conference

Blog, Events, MAC news

Fourteen county commissioners from across Michigan have filed to fill five vacant board seats on the MAC Board of Directors in elections to be held at the 2023 Legislative Conference, April 24-26.

The 16-member MAC Board is the association’s governing body. It meets four times per year.

In these special elections, the following seats will be filled:

  • Region II, Seat A (would serve term to Annual Conference of 2024*)
  • Region III, Seat A (would serve term to Annual Conference of 2024*)
  • Region IV, Seat B (would serve term to Annual conference of 2026)
  • Region V, Seat B (would serve term to Annual Conference of 2024*)
  • Region VI, Seat B (would serve term to Annual Conference of 2025)

No director shall serve more than three full three-year terms, except in certain situations where a director is filling a vacancy in an unexpired term. If the elected replacement shall serve more than half of the unexpired term, it shall be considered as if such person has served one full term for purposes of term limits. If the person filling the vacancy shall serve less than half of the unexpired term, that person shall be permitted to serve up to three additional full 3-year terms. *Denotes a period of less than half of a term.

Election procedures

  1. Only commissioners who register for the Legislative Conference may participate in the regional caucuses that fill these seats.
  2. Regional Board seats are filled by elections in which each COUNTY gets ONE vote. The process is detailed in the attachments.
  3. The caucuses will begin at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25 in the Lansing Center. (Exact room assignments will be released immediately prior to the conference.)

Each candidate provided a statement of candidacy with their filing. See below. (If you are not sure which Region your county is in, please consult this list.)

The candidates

Region 2

Neil Ahrens, Emmet County

MAC is an essential organization in support of the functioning of Michigan government in my opinion, a structure necessary for understanding the roles we all play in serving, and I have the time and capacity to serve.

As a fourth-term Emmet County commissioner, I have been instilled with the relevance and importance of MAC. My commitment to MAC is reflected in my work including serving on the Transportation and Infrastructure and the Agriculture and Tourism committees. I am proud that I have been joined by two other fellow Emmet County Commissioners to serve on MAC committees. The relationships forged with other commissioners as well as the MAC staff, has deepened my understanding of county governance.

I humbly ask for your support in my efforts to increase my service to Emmet County, and indeed, our state. Thank you all; it’s an honor to work with so many wise and caring people.

 

Lauren Flynn, Grand Traverse County

I am County Commissioner for District 2 in Grand Traverse County. Running for office has been a dream of mine since I was a young girl. Raised by politically and community involved parents and grandmothers, I always knew that the public sector had a place for me. I have lived in Grand Traverse County for 19 years. I have raised by two daughters as a single mother, and in doing so I have faced many of the issues that most of our constituents face in each of our counties on a daily basis. But I worked hard to overcome challenges, I finished my bachelor’s in business management and continued to finish my master’s degree in management. I got involved in my community and then decided to run for Commissioner in 2022.

As a new County Commissioner, I have been learning an immense amount of information every day and every week that I have been in office. I have taken this opportunity to educate myself even more on issues that face my constituents of my district and every citizen of Grand Traverse County. I have sat down with every other Commissioner on my board to introduce myself, learn more about what drives them to serve and figure out where we can come together to make Grand Traverse County the best county for people to work, raise their families and live the life they dream of. Serving in this position is the honor of my life, and I look forward to continuing this important work for years to come.

This is what brings me to throw my hat in for the Board of MAC for Region 2. I am asking the members of MAC for their vote to serve with the same grace and grit that I asked my constituents to vote for me in Grand Traverse County. I value the importance that MAC offers to our community. I look forward to working together to do more to make Michigan Counties able to their best for the citizens across the state. I promise I will serve honorably with integrity and positivity.

 

Art Jeannot, Benzie

I am in my fourth term as a Benzie County Commissioner. Included in my duties I am a member of the MAC Finance and Governance Committee for the past two years. Prior to this year, I served six years on the Northern Michigan Association of Counties. In addition, I conducted a breakout session at the 2023 new commissioner training in Roscommon at the request of MSU Extension. The subject matter was preparation for board meetings and conduct while in a board meeting.

My background has prepared me for a leadership role both in my community and at a state level. I have served in a number of leadership positions over a 30 year period to include Leadership Michigan (class of 2010), multiple EDC boards, Legislative Committee for the National Association of Mortgage Brokers and Northern Michigan Community Action Agency (Executive Committee).

My education is in business administration, with a graduate degree in banking followed by a 30 year career in that industry. The last 11 years was as President and CEO of a mid-size community bank. Since 2009, I have personally developed and own multiple housing projects targeted to low income and work force housing.

My interest in this board position is to improve my knowledge of state affairs and hopefully contribute to MAC leadership decisions. I invite you to contact me directly should you have any questions or comments.

 

Bryan Kolk, Newaygo County

I feel that I will be a particularly good candidate for this seat because of my extensive history with MAC and county government.

Involvement with MAC: I am a member of the MAC Judiciary and Public Safety committee (sixth year) and currently chair this committee. I am a member of the MAC General Government and Finance Committee (fourth year). Also, I am a Trustee for the Michigan Counties Workers’ Compensation Fund (fifth year) and on their Safety Committee (first year). I am familiar with MAC’s 2023 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 of Commissioners in 2017 and was elected in 2019 to be the Board Chair, a position in which I continue to serve. I’m proud to say that the elected officials in Newaygo County 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, and federal) as well as legal challenges from individuals, groups and businesses. We all have to work together in order to make the counties run well.

Other County Experience: I didn’t just happen into running for Commissioner. I did 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 such offices as the Clerk, Treasurer, Register of Deeds, Commission on Aging, Community Mental Health, Department of Social Services, Liquor Control Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, all 24 Townships in our County and the Michigan State Police, to name some. 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 degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree also in criminal justice and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration.

I will appreciate your consideration and vote at the conference.

 

Jarris Rubingh, Antrim

I represent District 2 in Antrim County. I live and work on our family dairy farm where we milk 400 registered Holstein cows twice per day. Our farm has been in the family for over 117 years. We also raise most of the feed for our cows and calves as trucking and hauling feed continues to increase in cost. We raise and fatten about 150 of our bull calves each year for beef. We grow approximately 600 acres of hay and 500 acres of corn for our cows. We keep our feed in silos and ag bags. My wife and children also help on our family farm and we have chickens, cats, and a few pigs.

I am running for the MAC Board because I want to make a difference not only locally but regionally. I feel passionate about our counties, our residents and our future. I want to see our region thrive economically, socially, environmentally, generationally and spiritually. I want our local businesses to stay strong. I want our relationships with our family, friends and neighbors to thrive and be transparent. I want to teach people to be good stewards of the land and resources we’ve been entrusted with, and I want this to be a place where our children and grandchildren grow and stay.

I currently serve as the Vice Chair of our County Board and am active in learning about the various committees I presently serve on, which include North Country Community Mental Health, Farmland and Open Space Preservation Board, Antrim Creek Natural Area, Capital Improvement Committee, Northern Michigan Counties Association, Soil Erosion, Sedimentation, and Storm water Runoff Appeals Board and Street and Road Numbering Appeals Committee. I also serve as one of the liaisons for the district and circuit courts.

If you would like to learn a little more about me, please go to YouTube and type “Jarris Rubingh” in the search box; a few years ago, I won a Michigan Farm Bureau Young Farmer Award and the Farm Bureau got some really cool drone footage on our farm.

Region 3

Ryan Laylin, Cass County

I am a Cass County Commissioner, resident of Silver Creek Township and dad to Kenley, age 9, and Paxton, age 6. I am currently serving my third year as a County Commissioner and am the Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners. I own a local small business, Bros Chimney Sweeps, a growing company that specializes in cleaning chimneys. I also enjoy hunting, fishing and golfing.

Among the many boards and commissions that currently see my service are: Surplus Property, Courthouse Restoration, Capital Projects, Parks and Recreation, Kinexus, Market Van Buren, MAC Environmental Committee and MAC Judiciary and Public Safety Committee.

As a fan with good familiarity of MAC, have attended numerous conferences hosted by MAC. Why am I interested in serving on the Board of Directors and why should the members of Region 3 support me?

Here are my reasons for wanting to serve:

  • Just as I have shown in my time as County Commissioner, I will make the interests of MAC Region 3 a priority.
  • I have served on a variety boards and commissions and understand how a board needs to effectively operate.
  • I will listen, research, discuss and give my opinion. While I do not shy away from debate on important topics, I am open minded and interested in the perspectives and opinions of my peers and the people I serve.
  • I keep up to date on issues important to Michigan counties.
  • My flexible schedule allows me time to attend Board of Directors meetings.
  • As the Vice Chair of the Cass County Board of Commissioners, and in all other boards and committees I serve, I am a team player and I understand my role.
  • As evidenced by my ability to help get key, important ordinances and resolutions passed, I know how to get the job done.
  • As a small business owner, I am aware of the issues that affect small businesses in Michigan.
  • I know that southwest and west Michigan are unique parts of our state. What is good for other regions of the state may not work here. I understand the unique differences among the Counties in Region 3, and even though I live in Cass County, I will be accessible to anyone in the Region who needs my help and will advocate for our region.
  • If elected, I will do what is right and best for the Counties in Region 3.

 

Tom Matthew, Branch

I hope that I can make the case that I will be ready to work on day one. The 83 counties deserve a board member who can immediately get to work on their behalf.

I believe that my deep involvement in the communities, good relationships with fellow commissioners, government officials, appreciation for the diversity of our counties and a desire to empower my neighbors will allow me to hit the ground running as a MAC Board Member.

I look forward to working with you on behalf of the MAC. Thank you for your time and consideration.

 

Tami Rey, Kalamazoo

I serve as the Vice Chair of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners. I am in the beginning of my second term on the Board.

I am very new to MAC but did have an opportunity to attend the conference last year, as well as meet some of the members at the MAC reception during the NACo conference last month. I am interested in serving on this board as I am always looking for opportunities to learn and grow.

I represent a very diverse district here in Kalamazoo and believe that I can bring a different perspective as well as new ideas and viewpoints to the Board.

 

Rick Shaffer, St. Joseph

Rick Shaffer is 40-year resident of St Joseph County and is widely known for his active service in healthcare 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 68, is a Registered Nurse. He currently works as the director of Outreach Patient Services (previous CEO ) for Covered Bridge Healthcare (Federally Qualified Healthcare Center ) in Centreville.

With over five decades, his career includes: funeral/ambulance service, pediatric nursing manager, nursing home administrator, 59th District state representative and director of Three Rivers Home Care and Hospice. In addition, he currently chairs the Community Mental Health Board and participates on multiple county boards, including Centreville Downtown Development Authority, Community Action Agency, Commission on Aging, Area Agency on Aging (3B), St. Joseph County Planning, Parks and Recreation and the St. Joseph County Animal Advisory Committee. His community volunteerism includes Rotary (past president) and the St Joseph County United Way Board. He was awarded/ recognized as Three Rivers Citizen of the Year by the local 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 and health care. In addition, our seniors are able to take advantage of countywide transportation and take advantage of lifestyle social enrichment programs offered by our senior centers in both cities.”

As a long-time County Commissioner and former state representative, Shaffer has long been a supporter of MAC and the initiatives that it provides to Michigan counties and its Commissioners. He shares a desire to serve 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.”

Region 4

Irene Cahill, Ingham County

I work for the residents and citizens of Lansing as the Lansing forestry and cemetery supervisor. Through my work, I am privy to the day-to-day concerns of the residents of the city of Lansing and of my staff. Because of this, I am keenly aware of the need for our elected officials to engage with and support opportunities for today’s youth moving through public and higher education and on into the workforce.

In addition, I represent Ingham County on the Michigan Broadband Task Force, as well as Capital Area Michigan Works and Lansing Economic Development. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you in the future and serve our community.

 

Dwight Washington, Clinton County

I have been and would like to continue working toward improving community well- being through government on issues that are important for all of us. With your vote of support, I will provide my experiences and expertise in natural resource management, health and wellness and social services to our region and other Michigan counties.

I initially chose to run for office in 2016 to better our region’s environmental conservation, sustainable economic growth and community well-being. During my six years as a commissioner, I have held true to my values and have refined my skills to make necessary and essential decisions to maintain and improve the quality of life in my local community, and the Greater Tri-County region. My objective has been to make a positive difference by utilizing my education, my work experiences to support the social-emotional lives of youth, conflict resolution training and my professional passion to improve environmental policy and practices in private industry and government.

I am proud that my efforts to lead have earned respect and admiration of Democratic and Republican elected officials and staff in the pertinent state and federal government organizations around the state and country. I believe that democracy is strengthened and thrives with a united citizenry that is informed and empowered to act responsibly. In addition to local Board assignments, I have had appointments to many Mid-Michigan regional boards, including the Mid-State Health Network Substance Use Disorders Oversight Policy, Tri-County Office of Aging and Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. As a Michigan State University Spartan graduate, I proudly support the MSU Extension District Council. I am particularly passionate about being part of the Capital Area Community Services, and for having a seat on the Head Start Policy Council and the opportunity to advocate and enrich the quality of local early childhood learning environments for our youngest citizens.

Additionally, I have experience representing counties on state and federal committees. I am the chair of MAC’s Environmental Committee and serve on its Transportation and Infrastructure and Health and Human Services committees. I also serve as the MAC liaison to the Michigan Association of Local Public Health Board. I have also served on the National Association of Counties’ Health Steering Committee and Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee.

Region 5

Sarah Lucido, Macomb County

I was thrilled to be elected to the 13th District on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners last year. Before that, I spent seven years serving the residents of my community on Eastpointe’s City Council. I know my community and I understand the issues that are facing municipalities and counties across Michigan. I want to run for the MAC Board to represent my constituents on the state level and to be advocate for the needs of local and county government across the state.

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 learn more about the needs of both urban and rural Michigan. This is a big reason why I would love the opportunity to serve on the MAC Board.

I believe that I would be an ideal candidate for the MAC Board. I look forward to meeting more of you at the upcoming MAC conference and to working together to more Michigan forward.

 

Terry Marecki, Wayne County

There has never been a more pivotal time for local government leaders to get our boots on the ground to move our state forward in a unified way. Following the events in recent years, Michigan is in a strong financial position to better the lives of Michiganders, but to do so we need active and guiding leaders to shepherd the way. Wayne County is thriving, and as a County Commissioner, I have demonstrated my ability to foster an environment that promotes growth and prosperity.

I have been dedicated to serving my community for decades, and my experiences as a leader in education and at the city, county, and national levels will allow me to bring an added perspective to the board. My success working alongside colleges from many different backgrounds proves that I have what it takes to be a successful MAC Board Member.

I was first elected as Wayne County Commissioner in 2014, and I have greatly enjoyed and benefited from my work as a county leader over the past eight years. My current assignments on the Commission include serving as Chair of the Committee on Public Services and as a member on the Ways & Means Committee, Health & Human Services Committee, Benefits & Staffing Task Force and the Special Committee on the Criminal Justice Complex.

I serve as one of Wayne County’s representatives on the Detroit Zoological Authority, and I am active with the National Association of Counties where I serve on the Large Urban Caucus Committee and the Transportation Policy Steering Committee. Outside of my county work, I am involved in community organizations including in the role of Secretary for the Livonia Community Foundation, Chair of the Livonia Prayer Breakfast board, and honorary board member of the Livonia Public Schools Foundation.

Thank you for the honor of considering me for the MAC Board to represent Region V. I truly look forward to the opportunity to serve my county and state on a larger platform, and to work with leaders from across Michigan to advance our state for the better.

Region 6

Donald Jay O’Farrell, Iosco County

It is my wish to be a voice to represent the people of my region of northeastern Michigan on the MAC Board. We are in need of representation for this area, and I believe I could serve well in this capacity.

I currently serve as Iosco County chairman of the board. I have been District 5 commissioner for the last 12 years; chairman for the last three years.

I grew up in Whittemore, Mich., where I graduated from high school. I went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University. I spent more than 32 years in law enforcement, retiring as a police lieutenant with the Pittsfield Township Police Department in Ann Arbor. I am a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and of the 211th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.

My wife Jennifer and I share four sons and six grandchildren. We were able to obtain our dream to move back to my hometown of Whittemore upon retirement.

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