September 22, 2026 Ottawa County Board of Commissioners

The September 22, 2026 meeting of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners included several procurement-related discussions and approvals. The board approved a three-year $360,000 agreement with the Ottawa Conservation District for voluntary conservation services and education, contingent on the fiscal year 2027 budget. They also approved a five-year contract with Workday for budget and planning software subscription services at a cost not to exceed $179,635, replacing a previous problematic contract with Open Gov. The board adopted the fiscal year 2027 appropriations act as the official budget. Additionally, they approved the fiscal year 2026 Edward Burn Memorial Justice Assistance Grant application for $48,389. A contract amendment for $86,472.50 was approved to fund consulting and strategic communication services related to a parks millage ballot proposal, though it generated debate about the appropriateness of using millage funds for voter education mailers. The board also passed a resolution authorizing Ottawa County landfills to collect Kent County hauler fees only on waste originating from Kent County, with added language clarifying the landfills involved. The appointment of Sarah Allen as the county's new Human Resources Director was confirmed after discussion about her background and the hiring process. Several policy and contracting procedural issues were raised, including the need for clearer sponsorship and discretionary spending policies and improved contract ratification processes. Public comments and commissioner remarks addressed topics such as public health event participation, solid waste fee jurisdiction, and the importance of transparent governance.