Cass County public meetings in 2024

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet as a Committee of the Whole on December 19, 2024. The agenda includes approvals of minutes and the November 2024 financial report, appointments to several boards and commissions, and discussion of opioid settlement requests and a police services contract with Marcellus Township. Public comment will be limited to three minutes per person. The meeting will also recognize new sheriff deputies.

• Appointments to the Kinexus Board (Anna Murphy, Arlandar Washington) and other boards and commissions
• Opioid Settlement Request for Cass County Problem‑Solving Courts
• Opioid Settlement Request for Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network – Additional Distribution Boxes
• Discussion of the Marcellus Township Police Services Contract
• Approval of the November 2024 Financial Report

The Cass County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on December 19, 2024, and took no final decisions. All six appointment items, two opioid settlement funding requests, and the Marcellus Township police services contract were moved to the next regular board meeting for action. The board also approved the agenda and prior meeting minutes.

• Approved December 19, 2024 agenda (voice vote)
• Approved November 21, 2024 meeting minutes (voice vote)
• Moved Kinexus Board appointments to next meeting (voice vote)
• Moved Van Buren/Cass District Board of Health appointment to next meeting (voice vote)
• Moved Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield appointments to next meeting (voice vote)
• Moved Board of Public Works appointments to next meeting (voice vote)
• Moved Parks & Recreation Commission appointments to next meeting (voice vote)
• Moved Materials Management Planning Committee appointments to next meeting (voice vote)

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will discuss funding for blight elimination and opioid settlement projects. The body is also deciding on a commissioner salary schedule for 2025 to 2028 and several board appointments.

• Proposed $2 million General Fund advance for CCLBA Blight Elimination Grant funding
• Proposed $13,071 from Opioid Settlement Fund for Cass Family Clinic Naloxone Vending Machines
• Resolution R-119-2024 to establish Commissioner Salary Schedule for 2025 to 2028
• Proposed allocation of $15,018 in CSLFRF Program funds toward the Robin Grant Match
• Appointment of Dwight Dyes to the Cass County Road Commission

The Cass County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on December 19, 2024. The board approved several routine items, including consent agenda items, appointments, and a budget adjustment. A resolution to increase commissioner salaries for the 2025-2028 term failed on a 4-4 roll call vote after an amendment reduced the proposed amounts. The board also discussed the performance of Market One, an economic development contractor, with some commissioners expressing dissatisfaction.

• Approved consent agenda including claims, minutes, appointment, budget amendments, and MDOT resolution (8-0)
• Approved CCLBA Blight Elimination Grant funding advance up to $2M from General Fund
• Appointed Dwight Dyes to Cass County Road Commission (term to 12/31/2030)
• Approved resolution amending Environmental Health Code for groundwater use restricted zones (8-0)
• Approved FY25 Budget Adjustment for Secondary Road Patrol
• Approved $13,071 for Naloxone vending machines from Opioid Settlement Funds
• Appointed Gerry Bundle to Cass District Library Board (term to 12/31/2026)
• Commissioner salary increase resolution R-119-2024 failed (4-4)

Cass County Planning Commission

The Cass County Planning Commission will meet on December 18, 2024. The commission will discuss a rezoning request from Pokagon Township and review the draft Cass County Master Plan prepared by McKenna. No decisions have been recorded yet.

• Pokagon Township rezoning request
• Cass County Draft Master Plan — McKenna

General

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular meeting on December 13, 2024. Commissioners will consider a motion to enter a closed session pursuant to MCL 15.268(a) and include the Clerk/Register, Administrator, Finance Director, and Human Resources/Payroll Director. The meeting will also cover routine items such as public comment limits, agenda approval, and adjournment.

• Motion to enter Closed Session under MCL 15.268(a) with specified officials
• Public comment limited to 3 minutes per person
• Approval of the meeting agenda

The Cass County Board of Commissioners approved an employment agreement for an Interim Administrator, with salary set at $150,000 (amended from $125,000) and $175,000 (amended from $150,000) in Section 4. A motion to revert to the original lower salary figures failed. The board also approved a Retention and Separation Agreement for Administrator Newton, effective December 24, 2024, and held three closed sessions.

• Approved Document 2 (Retention and Separation Agreement for Administrator Newton) effective December 24, 2024 (voice vote)
• Approved Employment Agreement for Interim Administrator with salary amendments ($150,000 and $175,000) (6-2)
• Failed motion to revert salary to original amounts ($125,000 and $150,000) (3-5)
• Entered closed session #1 under MCL 15.268(a) (8-0)
• Entered closed session #2 under MCL 15.268(a) (8-0)
• Entered closed session #3 under MCL 15.268(h) (8-0)

Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield Development Authority

The Economic Development Corporation and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will approve the agenda and the March 27, 2024 meeting minutes. They will receive a financial report from the treasurer. New business includes a discussion of the authority's goals and objectives.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of March 27, 2024 meeting minutes
• Treasurer's financial report
• Discussion of goals and objectives

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Cass County Board of Commissioners' Appointments Committee will meet to review and likely approve nominations for various county boards and commissions, including the Road Commission, Kinexus, and the Health Department.

• Cass County Road Commission (1 appointment)
• Kinexus (2 appointments)
• Van Buren/Cass District Health Department (1 appointment)
• EDC/Brownfield (2 appointments)
• Board of Public Works (4 appointments)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss several new business items, including a budget amendment for fiscal year 2025. The meeting also includes a financial report for October 2024 and a discussion on substance abuse and drug-free workplace policies.

• FY 25 Budget Amendment
• Placement of Flock Cameras
• ABM - Technical Audit LOI
• Appointment of Cade Michael Ford Stephenson to Remonumentation Peer Group
• Substance Abuse/Drug-Free Workplace discussion

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Cass County Capital Projects Committee meeting on November 20, 2024 will follow standard procedures, including call to order, roll call, public comment, and approval of minutes. The only substantive agenda item is the ABM Technical Audit listed under new business. The committee will discuss that audit and then adjourn.

• ABM Technical Audit (new business item)

Cass County Planning Commission

The Cass County Planning Commission will meet to discuss a specific application in La Grange Township and a Master Plan amendment for Jefferson Township. The commission is also scheduled to discuss a general Master Plan update.

• La Grange Township PA 116 Application
• Jefferson Township Master Plan Amendment
• Master Plan Update

Policy Committee

The Cass County Policy Committee will meet to discuss DC vesting periods and matching contributions for non-union new hires. The committee will also review old business regarding drug-free workplace policies and county building parking rules.

• Discussion on DC Vesting Periods and Matching Contribution for Non-union New Hires
• Substance Abuse/Drug-Free Workplace policy
• County Building Parking Rules

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will consider a consent agenda that includes approval of claims, meeting minutes, the CY 2025 annual salaries of county elected officials, annual wage adjustments for non‑union employees, and hiring authority for the undersheriff up to step 6. Additional items on the agenda are a hazard mitigation plan, an FY24 emergency management performance grant agreement, and a FY24‑25 Michigan Indigent Defense Commission grant contract. A presentation of a preliminary facilities assessment report will also be given. Public comment is limited to agenda items only.

• Resolution to approve the CY 2025 Annual Salaries of County Elected Officials (R-110-2024)
• Resolution to approve Annual Wage Adjustments for CY 2025 for Non‑Union Employees (R-112-2024)
• Resolution to authorize Cass County Administrator to approve step‑level hiring of Undersheriff up to Step 6 (R-111-2024)
• Resolution to approve Hazard Mitigation Plan (R-113-2024)
• Motion to approve FY24‑25 Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) Grant Contract (M-153-2024)

General

The Cass County Economic Development Corporation and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will hold its regular meeting. The board will approve the agenda, approve the March 27, 2024 meeting minutes, receive the treasurer’s financial report, receive an update on the Market One project, and discuss the board’s goals and objectives.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of March 27, 2024 meeting minutes
• Financial report by Treasurer
• Market One update (old business)
• Discussion of goals and objectives (new business)

Cass County Planning Commission

The Cass County Planning Commission will meet to discuss the Edwardsburg/Ontwa Township Master Plan review and the Decatur/Hamilton Joint Comprehensive Plan. The commission will also address old business regarding the Master Plan.

• Edwardsburg/Ontwa Township Master Plan review
• Decatur/Hamilton Joint Comprehensive Plan

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting to approve the agenda, consider any new business, and vote on a motion to enter a closed session under MCL 15.268(e). The meeting includes standard items such as call to order, invocation, pledge of allegiance, roll call, and public comment limited to three minutes per person. A closed‑session motion lists Clerk/Register McMichael, Treasurer Anderson, Administrator Newton, Finance Director Rentfrow, and Attorney Nic Spigiel as participants.

• Approval of the meeting agenda
• Consideration of any new business
• Motion to enter closed session per MCL 15.268(e) with listed officials

Appointments Committee

The Cass County Appointments Committee will meet on October 17, 2024 at 4:00 PM. It will approve the September 12, 2024 meeting minutes. The committee will consider one opening on the Cass District Library Board and one opening on the Cass County Medical Care Facility/Department of Human Services Board. It will also discuss any upcoming openings.

• Approval of September 12, 2024 meeting minutes
• Consideration of one opening on the Cass District Library Board
• Consideration of one opening on the Cass County Medical Care Facility/Department of Human Services Board
• Discussion of upcoming openings

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will consider Resolution R-108-2024 to approve the 2024 Cass County Apportionment Report. The meeting also includes standard procedural items such as call to order, roll call, public comment, and agenda approval. The board will decide whether to adopt the apportionment report before adjourning.

• Resolution R-108-2024 – Approve the 2024 Cass County Apportionment Report

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will discuss several new business items, including the salary for elected officials in 2025, a step-level hiring request for the undersheriff, a non‑union cost‑of‑living adjustment for 2025, the 2025 holiday schedule, and the appointment of a deputy medical examiner. Additional items include a furniture and facility enhancement policy, a grant budget for child and parent legal representation, and FY 2025 problem‑solving court budgets.

• 2025 elected official salary
• Undersheriff step‑level hiring request
• 2025 non‑union cost of living adjustment
• 2025 holiday schedule
• FY 2025 problem‑solving court budgets

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Cass County Policy Committee will consider approval of the agenda and approval of the September 12, 2024 meeting minutes. The committee will discuss two old‑business items: the Furniture and Facility Improvement Policy and Substance Abuse and Testing. Public comment will be accepted before the meeting adjourns.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of September 12, 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Furniture and Facility Improvement Policy
• Discussion of Substance Abuse and Testing
• Public comment period

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will review several appointment recommendations for county boards and commissions. The meeting includes reports on the state of the courts and materials management planning. The board will also consider approving the 2024 Special Assessment Rolls.

• Appointments to the Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield Development Authority
• Reappointments to the Historical Commission
• Appointment of Barbara Grennan to the Community Corrections Advisory Board
• Approval of 2024 Special Assessment Rolls
• Approval of Cost Allocation Plan Agreement

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Cass County Salary Committee is meeting to review compensation for various county roles. The body will discuss salaries for elected officials, commissioners, and chief deputies, as well as retirement and cost-of-living adjustments.

• Elected Official Salaries
• Commissioner Salaries
• Chief Deputy Salaries
• MERS Retirement for Elected Officials
• Non-union Cost of Living Adjustment

Board of Public Works

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. The board will review the June 12, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Approval of June 12, 2024 meeting minutes

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the FY 2025 budget and vote on a resolution to adopt the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act. They will also consider motions to approve FY 2024 budget amendments, accept a cleaning and janitorial services proposal from The DM Burr Group costing up to $114,958, and purchase a new secondary road patrol vehicle with a $5,000 down payment from FY 24 funds.

• Public hearing on FY25 budget (motions to open and close)
• Resolution to adopt FY2025 General Appropriations Act
• Motion to approve FY24 budget amendments
• Acceptance of Cleaning & Janitorial Services Proposal from The DM Burr Group, cost not to exceed $114,958
• Purchase of new Secondary Road Patrol Vehicle with $5,000 down payment from FY24 and grant funds

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the FY 2025 Administrator's Recommended Budget and FY 2024 budget amendments. The meeting also includes a review of cleaning RFP bids and real property foreclosure sales.

• FY 2025 Administrator's Recommended Budget
• FY 2024 Budget Amendments
• Cleaning RFP bid review
• Foreclosing Governmental Unit Report of Real Property Foreclosure Sales
• Cost Allocation Plan Agreement

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Cass County Policy Committee will consider and adopt policies and procedures for the Veterans Relief Fund/Peactime Veterans' Fund. The committee will also discuss furniture and facility enhancements and set priorities for the remainder of the year. Standard agenda items such as approval of the agenda, minutes, and public comment will also be addressed.

• Veterans Relief Fund/Peactime Veterans' Fund Policies and Procedures
• Furniture and Facility Enhancement (Discussion)
• Priorities for Remainder of Year
• Approval of August 8, 2024 meeting minutes

Appointments Committee

The Appointments Committee will meet to discuss appointments for several county entities. The agenda includes reviews for the Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield Development Authority, the Cass County Medical Care Facility/Department of Health and Human Services, and the Cass District Library Board.

• Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield Development Authority appointments
• Cass County Medical Care Facility/Department of Health and Human Services appointments
• Cass District Library Board appointments

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will hold a Truth-in-Taxation public hearing and vote on approving a revised 2024 tax rate request, upgrading the county phone system, and installing a jail duress alarm system. The meeting also includes approval of the August meeting minutes and a resolution for the FY 25 Child Care Fund Budget.

• Truth-in-Taxation public hearing and vote on revised 2024 L-4029 tax rate request
• Approval of phone system upgrades from Symplicity Communications and InDigital
• Approval of jail duress alarm system installation quote from SAS
• Approval of Dr. Lawless Park Renovation Project engineering services from OCBA
• Approval of FY 25 Child Care Fund Budget

The board approved the consent agenda, including a resolution to levy the full 6.9551 mills for 2024, which was the subject of a public hearing with no comment. They also approved the FY 25 Child Care Fund Budget, revised tax rate request, and several other items. New business included approving phone system upgrades and designating Sheriff Behnke as MERS delegate. The board entered closed session to review attorney-client privileged communication.

• Approved 2024 millage rate of 6.9551 mills (8-0)
• Approved FY 25 Child Care Fund Budget (8-0)
• Approved revised 2024 L-4029 Tax Rate Request (8-0)
• Approved Boards and Commissions Attendance Policy (8-0)
• Approved jail duress alarm system quote from SOS (8-0)
• Approved OCBA engineering & design services for Dr. Lawless Park Renovation (8-0)
• Approved TruNarc Drug Testing System quote (8-0)
• Approved phone system proposals from Symplicity Communications and InDigital (voice vote)

Cass County Planning Commission

The Commission will review the county’s Master Plan update as old business. It will also consider the Porter Township Fence Ordinance as new business. No other items are on the agenda.

• Master Plan update – review of the county comprehensive plan
• Porter Township Fence Ordinance – proposed ordinance regulating fences

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will conduct a budget workshop on August 23, 2024, beginning at 8:00 AM. The workshop includes scheduled presentations from the Prosecutor's Office, Veterans Affairs, Law & Courts, Treasurer, Clerk/Register, Sheriff's Office, Drain Commission, IT, GIS, Parks, Equalization, Administration & Finance, and Facilities, with two 15‑minute breaks. No formal decisions are listed; the agenda is for informational sessions.

• Prosecutor's Office presentation at 8:00 AM
• Veterans Affairs presentation at 8:20 AM
• Law & Courts presentation at 8:30 AM
• Treasurer presentation at 9:00 AM
• Sheriff's Office presentation at 9:45 AM

Appointments Committee

The Cass County Appointments Committee will meet on August 15, 2024 at 4:00 PM. The agenda includes standard procedural items and a discussion of new appointments to the Historical Commission, the Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield Development Authority, the Cass County Medical Care Facility/DHHS, and the Community Corrections Advisory Board. No specific decisions are detailed in the agenda.

• Appointment to the Historical Commission
• Appointment to the Economic Development Corporation/Brownfield Development Authority
• Appointment to the Cass County Medical Care Facility/DHHS
• Appointment to the Community Corrections Advisory Board

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet on August 15, 2024. The meeting will include routine items such as approval of the agenda, minutes, and the July 2024 financial report. New business items include a revised L‑4029 report, appointments to the Materials Management Board, the FY 25 Child Care Fund budget, an attendance policy for boards and commissions, a duress alarm system for the jail, engineering and design services for the Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park, and a TruNarc drug‑testing system.

• Duress Alarm System for Jail
• Engineering/Design Services for Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park
• FY 25 Child Care Fund Budget
• Boards and Commissions Attendance Policy
• TruNarc Drug Testing System

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Capital Projects Committee will review two new business items. One item concerns a duress alarm system to be installed at the county jail. The other item concerns engineering and design services for the Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park. The committee will also approve minutes from the July 9, 2024 meeting.

• Duress alarm system for the county jail
• Engineering/design services for Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve a proposed consent agenda including claims, minutes, and interlocal agreements, as well as consider a budget amendment and a parks secretary appointment.

• Approval of claims dated July 6th through August 2nd
• FY 24 Budget Amendments
• CCIEA LOU #002 - Parks Secretary appointment
• Material Management Interlocal Agreement - Amendment
• Animal Control Vehicle Replacement

Policy Committee

The Cass County Policy Committee will approve the meeting agenda and the minutes from the July 11, 2024 meeting. It will also discuss the Boards and Commissions Attendance Policy. Public comment and member comments are scheduled, but no new contracts or ordinances are on the agenda.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of July 11, 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Boards and Commissions Attendance Policy

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the FY 25 draft budget and FY 24 budget amendments. The agenda includes decisions on equipment replacements and funding for public safety initiatives.

• Discussion of FY 25 Draft Budget
• FY 24 Budget Amendments
• Opioid Funding Request for Narcan Distribution Boxes
• Animal Control Vehicle Replacement
• 911 Center/EOC Flooring

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee will review the minutes from the May 9, 2024 meeting. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding the attendance policy for boards and commissions.

• Approval of May 9, 2024 meeting minutes
• Discussion on Boards and Commissions Attendance Policy

Board of Commissioners

The Cass County Board of Commissioners will meet on July 11, 2024, to review several proposed motions. Key items include approvals for vehicle replacements, software agreements, and cleaning services. The board will also discuss jury fees and the dissolution of the MERS Committee.

• Squad car replacement program up to $146,000
• ESRI GIS Software 3-Year Agreement at $58,000 annually
• Interim cleaning contract with Cleanest Co. at $17,780 per month
• Service weapon replacement program costing $43,919
• Classification & Compensation Study proposal up to $60,000

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Capital Projects Committee is reviewing requests to upgrade infrastructure at the 911 Center. These include replacing an air conditioning unit to ensure essential cooling for dispatch equipment and installing new flooring throughout the facility.

• Replacement of Dispatch Equipment Room AC unit for $29,513
• New flooring installation at 911 Center/EOC for $49,102

Capital Projects Committee

The Capital Projects Committee will discuss upgrades to the Dispatch Equipment Room air conditioner and 911 Center/EOC flooring. The committee will also review the minutes from the May 14, 2024, meeting.

• Dispatch Equipment Room Air Conditioner
• 911 Center/EOC Flooring

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The MERS Committee will review the minutes from the May 22, 2024, meeting. The committee will also address new business regarding defined contribution plans.

• Approval of May 22, 2024, meeting minutes
• Discussion of defined contribution plans

Board of Commissioners

The Committee of the Whole will discuss several administrative and public safety items. Topics include insurance renewals, software needs, and law enforcement equipment replacements. Additionally, officials requested pay grade changes for certain county positions.

• Employee Insurance/Benefit Renewal Plan Year 2024-2025
• FY 2025 Community Corrections Application & Plan
• Service Weapon Replacement Program and Squad Car Replacements
• Classification & Compensation Study
• Pay grade change requests for Clerk/Register, Treasurer, and Chief Judge

Board of Public Works

The June 12, 2024, meeting for the Cass County Board of Public Works contains only procedural boilerplate. The agenda includes approving the March 20, 2024, minutes and managing public comments.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding Truth in Taxation. The agenda also includes approving an agreement with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and funding for a jail project.

• Public hearing regarding Truth in Taxation
• $67,650.17 agreement with a Communication Company
• $13,216.90 opioid settlement funding request for Jail MAT Project
• Law Enforcement Agreement between Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and Cass County
• Appointment of Michael Bowman to the Cass County Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The MERS Committee will meet to conduct a review of a meeting with a MERS representative. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items and the review of old business.

• Review of MERS representative meeting

One Time Event

The Cass County Planning Commission will meet to discuss short-term rentals in La Grange Township and a rezoning request in Milton Township. The commission will also review the county's Master Plan.

• La Grange Township short-term rentals
• Milton Township rezoning
• County Master Plan

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing several new business items, including FY 24 budget amendments and a law enforcement agreement with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. The body is also discussing facility improvements for the Law and Courts Building and animal control fencing.

• FY 24 Budget Amendments
• Law & Courts Building camera upgrade
• Opioid Settlement Funding Application
• Law Enforcement Agreement with Pokagon Band of Potawatomi
• MSU Extension Amendment to MOA

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Capital Projects Committee is meeting to discuss new business regarding camera upgrades for the Law & Courts Building. The agenda includes a detailed quotation from Communication Company for a CCTV system upgrade involving new NVR, POE switches, and various indoor and outdoor cameras.

• Law & Courts Building CCTV upgrade proposal from Communication Company
• Installation of new NVR with 32TB storage and 36 IP licenses
• Replacement and addition of 4MP and 8MP dome cameras across basement and first floors
• Installation of Cat 6e network cabling and POE switches

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Policy Committee is meeting to review old business regarding official policies. The agenda includes discussions on conflict of interest, chief deputy salaries, and mileage policies for commissioners and boards.

• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Chief Deputy Salaries
• Commissioners Mileage Policy
• Boards and Commissions Per Diem and Mileage

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider placing drug enforcement and senior services millage renewals on the August 6th primary ballot. The meeting includes votes on several facility improvement contracts and the adoption of a deficit elimination plan for specific county funds.

• Drug Enforcement and Senior Services millage renewals for the August 6th ballot
• Public Defender Office renovation contract with Elite Companies for $44,197
• Law & Courts Building chiller repairs with Trane for $62,678
• Law & Courts Building new Building Control Unit with Trane for $35,340
• Silver Creek Township Police Services Contract

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The committee is meeting to discuss methods for increasing awareness of opioid settlement funds among potential applicants. The agenda also includes items regarding funding awards and the use of MAC evaluation tools.

• Discussion of awareness efforts including press releases, social media, and flyers at libraries and clinics
• Review of funding awards and acceptance of funding
• Evaluation of funding using MAC tools and surveys

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is reviewing several millage renewals and service contracts. The meeting includes discussions on budget amendments, facility improvements, and policy updates.

• Silver Creek Township Police Services Contract
• Drug Enforcement and Council on Aging (COA) millage renewals
• Public Defender Office and L&C Building HVAC/Mechanical improvements
• FY 24 Budget Amendments
• Animal Control improvements discussion

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider a resolution to adopt the 2024 Equalization Report. This report contains recommended equalized valuations for property across 15 townships and 2 cities in Cass County.

• Resolution R-061-24: Adoption of the 2024 Equalization Report
• Total 2024 Equalized valuation of $4,621,088,055
• Residential Real Property valuation of $3,514,678,510
• Agricultural Real Property valuation of $593,305,800
• Total Personal Property valuation of $316,270,945

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several financial motions including a $308,500 loan to the Cass County Transit Authority. Other items include approving land lease agreements for Lawless Park and various survey contracts funded by state grants.

• $308,500 loan to Cass County Transit Authority at 4% interest
• $39,255 in total contracts for 2024 Survey Remonumentation
• $60,127 budget adjustment for Presidential Primary Voting Costs
• Lawless Park Cropland Lease Agreements at $201 per acre
• Reappointment of four members to the Woodlands Healthcare Board

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Policy Committee is meeting to discuss updates to the employee handbook and per diem and mileage rates. The body will also review revised policies regarding tax sharing, chief deputy salaries, and conflicts of interest.

• Tax Sharing Policy regarding tax capture and abatement programs
• Chief Deputy Salaries policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy for elected officials and department heads
• Employee Handbook
• Commissioners and Boards/Commissions Per Diem and Mileage

One Time Event

The Commission will review several unfinished business items and new business topics. Discussions include updates on Dark Sky, LWCF, Lawless Crop Bid, and Egg-Exstravaganza.

• Dark Sky Update
• LWCF update
• Lawless Crop Bid discussion
• Egg-Exstravaganza discussion
• Turf Quotes review

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Capital Projects Committee is meeting to discuss and receive updates on several capital projects, including a broadband mapping project, heating/cooling quotes for the L&C Building, and a renovation of the Public Defenders' Office. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• Broadband Mapping Project update by Chris Scharrer of DCS Technology
• Trane quotes for the L&C Building presented by Facilities Director Dave Reiff
• Public Defenders' Office Renovation discussed by County Administrator Matthew Newton

One Time Event

The Cass County Economic Development Commission and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will meet to discuss strategic planning. The body will also receive an update from an ad hoc committee regarding a performance matrix for Market Van Buren.

• Ad Hoc Committee report on Market Van Buren Performance Matrix
• Strategic Planning discussion

One Time Event

The Cass County Planning Commission will hold a public meeting on March 27, 2024, to discuss new business items. The agenda includes a master plan update for Milton Township and rezoning requests from Pokagon and Silver Creek Townships. The commission will also consider a road abandonment petition from the Cass County Road Commission and review the county Master Plan.

• Milton Township master plan update
• Pokagon Township rezoning request
• Silver Creek Township rezoning request
• Cass County Road Commission abandonment petition
• Review of the Cass County Master Plan

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The committee is meeting to confirm it will not propose an additional law enforcement millage and to discuss language for the CCDET millage. Members will also address prosecutor staffing concerns and the potential reestablishment of the CCDET Advisory Board.

• Confirmation of no additional law enforcement millage proposal
• Discussion of CCDET millage language
• Plan for prosecutor staffing concerns involving Prosecutor Fitz and Administrator Newton
• Potential reestablishment of the CCDET Advisory Board
• Proposed workshop to discuss the use of CCDET funds

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss several administrative and financial items, including a proposal to increase the Planning Commission membership to 11 people. The body will also review budget amendments and various county contracts and lease agreements.

• Resolution to increase Cass County Planning Commission to 11 members
• FY 24 Budget Amendments
• 2024 Remonumentation Contracts
• Lawless Park Cropland Lease Agreements
• Public Defender Office Renovation Project

Board of Public Works

The Board of Public Works will meet to conduct business including the election of officers. The agenda consists primarily of procedural items.

• Election of Officers

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Strategic Planning Law Enforcement Committee is meeting to discuss a potential CCDET millage for August and the associated legal language. The body will also review the makeup and purpose of a CCDET Advisory Board and discuss the needs of the Prosecutor and Sheriff/Police.

• Discussion of CCDET millage language and submission date to the Board of Commissioners
• Review of CCDET Advisory Board membership and purpose
• Discussion of law enforcement needs for the Prosecutor and Sheriff/Police
• Old business regarding Lapeer Prosecutor

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Policy Committee is meeting to discuss updates to the Tax Sharing Policy and the Conflict of Interest Policy. The body is also reviewing guidelines for establishing salaries for elected officials and their chief deputies.

• Chief Deputy Salaries policy review
• Tax Sharing Policy review
• Conflict of Interest Policy development
• Review of travel reimbursement guidelines

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will review financial reports and bills. The body is discussing the Red Brick School preservation agreement and updates to the historic courthouse history display.

• Red Brick School Preservation Agreement update
• Historic Courthouse history display update
• Collaborative Cass County Recorded History video project
• Sugar Maple Festival participation and scheduling
• Newton House committee report

One Time Event

The commission will meet to elect officers and review reports from the director and budget. The board will discuss updates on Dark Sky, LWCF, and SWxSW CORNER CISMA, as well as new business items.

• Election of officers
• Lawless Crop Bid
• Cass County Conservation Club
• Friends of the Cass County Parks
• Egg-Exstravaganza

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Law Enforcement Millage Committee is meeting to conduct organizational business and establish a meeting schedule. The committee will discuss goals, objectives, and the drug enforcement millage to determine a timeline for recommendations.

• Selection of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Discussion of Drug Enforcement Millage
• Establishment of goals and objectives
• Determination of timeline for committee recommendations

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review a consent agenda including budget amendments and interlocal IT agreements. The body is also deciding on the appointment of a County Medical Examiner and several Deputy Medical Examiners, as well as an Opioid Settlement Funding Plan.

• Budget amendment of $30,000.00 to fund Early Voting Election Inspectors salaries
• Appointment of Patrick Hansma as Cass County Medical Examiner
• Adoption of the Opioid Settlement Funding Plan and Request for Funding Application
• IT Services Interlocal Agreements with Cass County Medical Care Facility and Road Commission
• Creation of a Class Compensation Committee to evaluate a new compensation study RFP

One Time Event

The Planning Commission is meeting to discuss the county Master Plan and a proposal from McKenna for its update. The agenda also includes reviews of zoning ordinances for Jefferson Township and Reed Family Farms in LaGrange Township.

• Review of a $50,000 lump sum proposal from McKenna to update the Master Plan
• Jefferson Township Zoning Ordinance discussion
• Reed Family Farms — LaGrange Township review
• Election of officers
• Discussion on the inclusion of parks in planning

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss the creation of a Law Enforcement Millage Committee. This committee would explore a new millage to address salary and wage concerns for the Prosecutor’s Office and the County.

• Motion M-025-24 to approve the creation of a Law Enforcement Millage Committee

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review FY 24 budget amendments and various salary policies. The body will also consider appointments for the County Medical Examiner and Deputy Medical Examiners. Other items include IT interlocal agreements and board bylaws.

• FY 24 Budget Amendments
• Appointment of Patrick Hansma as Cass County Medical Examiner
• Appointment of five Deputy Medical Examiners
• Interlocal Agreements for IT Services for the Medical Care Facility and Road Commission
• Salary policies for Election Inspectors, Elected Officials, and Chief Deputies

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Policy Committee will conduct organizational business including the selection of a Chair and meeting schedule. The committee is also scheduled to review several policy items.

• Selection of Chair
• Mileage/Reimbursement Policy
• Chief Deputy Salaries
• Tax Sharing Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy

One Time Event

The commission will review reports from the director and budget office. The board will discuss ongoing projects and new initiatives regarding environmental monitoring and conservation.

• Dark Sky update
• Discover Winter
• LWCF
• Xerces Society
• EnviroDIY Monitoring Station

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review a consent agenda including a Master Plan update proposal and a grant application. The meeting also includes the approval of claims for various county departments and the designation of a depository for the Friend of the Court.

• Master Plan Update Proposal from McKenna for $50,000.00
• CHILL Program Grant Application by Cass County Land Bank Authority
• Designation of GW Jones as Depository of Cass County Friend of the Court
• Approval of claims dated December 29th through January 25th
• ElectionSource annual license and service contract for $20,615.00

Board of Commissioners - Standing & Ad Hoc Committees

The Appointments Committee is meeting to organize its leadership and schedule. The body will discuss applicants and reappointments for the Solid Waste Planning Commission and the Woodlands Board.

• Solid Waste Planning Commission: 2 new applicants
• Woodlands Board: 2 reappointments and 1 new applicant
• Review of current and upcoming vacancies
• Discussion on posting committee agendas to the website

One Time Event

The Cass County Planning Commission will meet to review the updated zoning ordinance for the Village of Marcellus. The body will also discuss Eddies Market Park.

• Review of Marcellus Updated Zoning Ordinance
• Discussion of Eddies Market Park

One Time Event

The Cass County Economic Development Commission and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority are meeting to discuss the role of the EDC. The body will review a contract update and monitoring plans for Market Van Buren. Members will also consider publishing agendas and minutes on the County website.

• Market Van Buren contract update
• Plan for EDC reporting to Board of Commissioners
• Proposal to publish EDC agendas and minutes on County website

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to discuss and approve committee assignments. The session includes a motion to finalize the 2024 appointments for various county boards, commissions, and department liaisons.

• Motion M-014-23 to approve BOC Committee Assignments
• Annual appointments for terms ending 12/31/2024
• Assignments for the Capital Project Committee
• Assignments for the Salary Committee
• Appointments to the Land Bank Authority and Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is discussing a proposal to hire McKenna to update the county's 2014 Master Plan. They are also reviewing a resolution to apply for $500,000 in MSHDA CHILL program funding for housing rehabilitation and blight removal.

• Proposed $50,000 contract with McKenna for Master Plan Update
• Proposed $500,000 grant application for MSHDA CDBG Housing Improving Local Livability (CHILL) Program
• Financial report showing total expenditures of $4,826,667 through December 31, 2023
• Discussion of MSHDA CHILL activities: homeowner rehabilitation and demolition/reconstruction/resale

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting for a workshop to review internal procedures and specific county programs. The session includes discussions on road patrol wages and the MERS Committee.

• Road Patrol Wage Discussion
• Commissioner Bylaws / Rules of Procedure
• SESC Program
• MERS Committee
• CCDET

One Time Event

The commission will meet to elect officers and review departmental goals. The agenda includes reports on the budget and a status update regarding Dark Sky.

• Election of officers
• Budget report
• Dark Sky update
• Departmental goals
• Winter newsletter

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct organizational business to elect a Chair and Vice-Chair. The body is deciding on several contracts, board reappointments, and budget adjustments for personnel.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair for one-year terms
• Budget amendment of $48,899.00 for two part-time Animal Control positions
• Contract between Cass County and Assessing Solutions Inc. for Appraisal Services
• Agreement for Broadband Services between Midwest Energy & Communications and Cass County
• Contract between Marcellus Township, Cass County, and the Office of Sheriff for 2024