Board of Commissioners Meeting | March 17, 2026

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners held a Committee of the Whole meeting on March 17, 2026, with significant focus on procurement and construction projects. Key procurement discussions centered on the subcontractor selections for the 440 North Church Street parking garage construction project. The board debated the recommendations from the general contractor Miller Davis versus those amended by the Kazoo County Building Authority, particularly emphasizing local subcontractor participation, union status, apprenticeship programs, and adherence to the county's responsible bidder policy. After extensive discussion and a motion to bifurcate the vote, the board approved 15 subcontractor selections as recommended by the Building Authority and planned to consider the remaining four separately. Additionally, the board approved an amendment to the construction manager at risk agreement with Miller Davis, establishing a guaranteed maximum price of approximately $26.8 million for the parking garage project. Other procurement-related updates included the ongoing architect selection process for the new county administration building and the public art initiative for the parking structure. The meeting also covered budget adjustments, investment reports, and updates on countywide projects such as the Asho Charter Township Sanitary Sewer Project and emergency communication system upgrades. The board emphasized the need to refine procurement policies to better incorporate local preferences and ensure compliance in future projects.