Kent County Board of Commissioners Policy and Operations Committee 06/09/26

The Kent County Board of Commissioners Policy and Operations Committee met on June 9, 2026, to discuss several key items including public comments, approval of minutes, and significant procurement and staffing matters. A major focus was on the approval of a Michigan Department of Treasury local prosecutor support grant, which will fund nine new full-time equivalent positions over a four-year period, including six attorneys and three additional staff to be hired in phases. The committee discussed concerns about the sustainability of funding beyond the grant period and the impact on the county's general fund. Additionally, the committee addressed the appointment of a new chief medical examiner and deputy medical examiners, highlighting ongoing negotiations for a new medical examiner facility funded in part by $6 million in ARPA funds. The committee emphasized oversight responsibilities for the medical examiner contract with Michigan State University and discussed future capital improvements related to the forensic sciences institute. The meeting concluded with remarks on policy learnings from recent community projects and upcoming task force reports.