The Barry County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday and among consent items approved a 36 month contract with the Barry Conservation District for recycling coordinator services. They also approved a contract to provide emergency management and sheriff’s personnel for the June 13th & 14th “Rock the Country” event at the Barry Expo Center.
Commissioners received the MSU Extension Service Annual Report and Update. With 893 youth participating in year-round 4-H programs and 247 volunteers, Barry County boasts one of the most active 4-H programs in the state.
County Administrator Eric Zuzga gave an update on the status of the $12-million ARPA funds that were approved in 2022:
-The Freeport water tower is complete
-Barry Twp. is close to finishing the Delton water tower project
- The Rutland Twp. Sewer Study is in procedure
-Barry Parks and Recreation projects have been slowed by weather but the funds will be fully spent
- New 911 towers are operational
- Road Commission allocation is fully spent
-Employee Premium Pay fully spent
-Public Safety funding fully spent
-Barry Community Foundation Food Hall funds fully spent
Andrea, from New Ventures Consultants, and Bonnie Gettys elaborated on the BCF Food Hall project:
Mill Street Market is to be located next to the planned apartments at the Royal Coach property. Total project is about $6-million, with $3-million remaining to be raised. Construction is beginning, with an opening date in 2026. It will include 1/3 Daycare, 1/3 Kitchen, in part, to host the HHS Culinary Arts program, and 1/3 "consignment model" farm stop and café.
Board Vice Chair Dave Hatfield reported that the Joint Planning Commission met and discussed the Meijer issue and is moving forward with discussions between the County, City of Hastings, and Rutland Township where Meijer is interested in expanding.
