At the Barry County Commission meeting on Tuesday, the Board approved the 2022 Revised Apportionment Report, and approved the 2023 grant agreement with the state for continuation of the Re-monumentation program.

 

The agreement was approved between Barry County and MSU for Extension Service programming for the coming year, and money released from the Norris Road Forest Property Fund to partially fund a position for 4-H Program Coordination of educational programs.

 

Employee Service Awards were given out to recognize five county employees celebrating significant anniversaries of their service to Barry County.

 

The Board passed a resolution urging the State Legislature to amend the Michigan

Auto Insurance Reform Act to change the reimbursement cap for auto accident victims and home health care.

 

During public comment several individuals, mostly lake residents, expressed support for a Drain to regulate the lake level on Pine Lake, which has been rising in recent years causing property damage, flooding, and erosion.  The subject has been brought up in the past but was tabled by Commissioners, so no action has been taken to lower the lake level. Those who commented urged the Board to un-table the matter to let the Drain Commissioner actively work on a solution.

 

Near the end of the meeting, the Board passed three resolutions recognizing and honoring Howard ‘Hoot’ Gibson, Ben Geiger, and Vivian Conner for their time and accomplishments as they leave the Board of Commissioners.  Geiger has served as Chair after first being elected to the Board in 2011.  Conner has been Vice-Chair after serving for 8 years. Hoot Gibson retires after a historic tenure, having served since his election to the Board since 2004 -- the longest serving Commissioner in Barry County history.  It was pointed out that GIBSON HAS NEVER MISSED a regular meeting of the Board.