The Barry County Commission Oct. 25 approved the county’s 2017 budget by unanimous vote after a public hearing. A resolution for a Fair Housing Policy and budget amendment C16 were also approved by voice vote. More of last week’s committee of the whole recommendations were approved in the consent agenda:
* the transfer of $1.75 million from the 100 percent tax payment fund to the retirement fund to reduce the unfunded liability in the pension program
* the Barry County Healthcare Cost Containment Committee’s recommendation for renewal of health care choices for county employees and to keep the five health plans through Priority Health.
* a public hearing on Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. on a state grant for a Homebuyer Purchase grants and allow Marilyn Smith to submit a grant proposal to Michigan State Housing Development Authority.
* a grant agreement for $10,000 from the 27oh Company to the Animal Shelter to continue the trap, neuter and release (TNR) program.
* court specialty programs and grant contracts for the adult drug court, 56B District sobriety court, and Swift & Sure Sanctions probation programs.
* Lockshore Dairy’s entry into the Agriculture Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program (PA16) in sections 32 and 33 in Barry Township.
* Parks and Recreation Board awards of $1,000 grants to the City of Hastings, Thornapple Kellogg Schools, Orangeville Township and the Village of Woodland, and $500 grants to Thornapple Township and the Prairieville Parks and Recreation Commission.
