April 14, 2026 Ottawa County Board of Commissioners Work Session

The April 14, 2026, Ottawa County Board of Commissioners work session focused primarily on the proposed parks and open space millage renewal and potential increase. The Parks Commission recommended a 0.53 millage rate, which includes a 0.33 renewal and a 0.20 increase, to fund capital improvement projects, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of county parks. Discussion centered on the timing and structuring of the millage questions for the ballot, with options including a single question in August or splitting the renewal and increase into two questions, with the increase potentially moved to November to maximize voter participation. Commissioners debated the geographic distribution of park investments, the need for sustainable funding sources, and the process for approving specific capital projects, which require board approval and often leverage grants. No final vote was taken, but the board expressed interest in further refining the millage proposal and ensuring public understanding of how funds would be allocated and managed.