[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6113007,"mediaKeyId","2746559-d8869bda20f4cad9167181885d953e56","parentId",2746559,"title","Commissioners recommend two park grant applications: Bailey Nature Preserve and Charlton Park","audioSeconds",587,"startMs",1998000,"endMs",2585000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746559-d8869bda20f4cad9167181885d953e56&start=1998&end=2585","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746559-d8869bda20f4cad9167181885d953e56/thumbnail_1998000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6113007/Barry-County/Michigan/Commissioners-recommend-two-park-grant-applications-Bailey-Nature-Preserve-and-Charlton-Park","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6113007-d95e3494d5c0a326da28a802a9781544/orig.mp4?Expires=1773623869&Signature=Qtp~8xrQROtvRouzJgJEP5SwXniA2G6iQ7dU686Spm5k89pglRoMX1OsHaXmxXXwgW1T4OrI7PSQxKfCamd4oYPM-0KzpA7ft5B-fQ1h7aX~uDMkoGrKZO3YwKXYQkxhwbXBypm-O~mwIpOWhUQ6pqxfgGW~TLkts4utYauXAc1Qu8VU3wDaDRk0V0LW31OTnhPoUl4jDDVyBYsQhWeXQ3~0~2b8mXnjJ5Je41-7gMtoFI3ERBNzVqEfmusLhAy34kuYfwQKEa55exe0N2YMmFSRHjgYl6lQIjUxoGUd4OrfRQXNMNhqJOh70SRPYOr98jefgCTuN2rXJxn9OHze3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Barry County Michigan","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","Barry County commissioners on March 18 voted to recommend two park grant applications that would fund accessibility and recreational improvements if awarded.

Parks staff requested approval to submit a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) grant application for improvements at Bailey Nature Preserve. Dan Patton said the project estimate is about $577,000 and the MNRTF request would be $400,000, leaving a local match of $177,000. Patton said roughly $145,000 of that match is currently available in the Parks budget and the remainder could come from the Bailey endowment; he emphasized the board would still have to approve acceptance of any awarded funds. “There is no commitment of dollars at this time other than I need a commitment to apply,” he said.

The board voted to recommend adoption of Resolution 25‑10 authorizing the MNRTF application. No mover/second was recorded on the transcript; the chair called the vote and members said “aye.” The motion carried.

Separately, Patton asked to submit a Michigan Recreation Passport grant application for improvements at Charlton Park, including a wheelchair-accessible canoe/kayak launch, a concrete accessible parking space and other parking improvements. The total project estimate is $301,500 and the requested grant amount is $150,000; Patton said matching funds are already identified. Motion by Commissioner Tunis, support by Commissioner Hatfield, to recommend Resolution 25‑11. The board voted aye and the motion carried.

Patton said both applications are for submission only; if the county is awarded either grant the board would vote again to accept and appropriate funds. He estimated, for the MNRTF project, construction and award timelines could push work into 2027 and cautioned that long lead times make precise cost estimates difficult. Commissioners commended Parks staff for aggressively pursuing grant funds.

Public comment during the meeting included concerns from a resident who said some county spending priorities — including park funding — should be reviewed in light of other county obligations such as the jail.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25‑10: Resolution to authorize application for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for improvements at Bailey Nature Preserve — motion to recommend; outcome: motion carries (vote recorded as voice vote \"aye\").

- Resolution 25‑11: Resolution to authorize application for Michigan Recreation Passport grant for improvements at Charlton Park — motion by Tunis, support by Hatfield; outcome: motion carries (voice vote \"aye\").","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee of the Whole - 2025/03/18","oneSentenceSummary","Barry County commissioners voted March 18 to recommend two park-related grant applications: a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund request for Bailey Nature Preserve and a Michigan Recreation Passport request for an accessible canoe/kayak launch at Charlton Park.","taxTitle","Barry County, Michigan","taxId",52020,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6113008,"Michigan Association of Counties updates Barry County commissioners on revenue sharing, courts and road funding",798,98000,896000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746559-d8869bda20f4cad9167181885d953e56&start=98&end=896","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746559-d8869bda20f4cad9167181885d953e56/thumbnail_98000.jpg","/articles/6113008/Barry-County/Michigan/Michigan-Association-of-Counties-updates-Barry-County-commissioners-on-revenue-sharing-courts-and-road-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6113008-b208aeea3ee4589cf380ec16661938f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773623869&Signature=AKZXgTDKzrGztAJcFNPD2aSC4QajUx92MVIVogMzfubiPRQyy6kH3aUViRHJgEbfJsuAGgc-OV44Bglf093jm~UFKn9yEy2kWaW6j0i6XMw0EJ4sKHJeGzDqRlZkIn08FQkab4VxQczuSqXD8KPuNi0Oef97t1cuQnO-~kIteD82tMiMIKeuuOx5JXUQ0e5oy47ybr0ADzcQaMAZWW-Q8frg1RYgn2ieUtwK3~6PGHu10Neodtmuu8UgObcVeIoCOhX-7B4DUUHLwFjMZz2peS-sYeCP7fobaNQAmCVneUrUm45p9XOxGQwoveeW0umhHuVpBoUmO4nDFLPMmC1cTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Steve Curry, executive director of the Michigan Association of Counties, told the Barry County Board of Commissioners on March 18 that MAC is focusing on county revenue sharing, court funding and a major road-funding package during the current legislative session.

Curry said the legislature approved roughly $30,000,000 in additional county revenue sharing last year and that MAC is now pursuing legislation to create a revenue-sharing trust fund to protect those dollars from being appropriated away in future budgets. “We’re arming you with information to go to your elected officials and advocate for government back in their districts,” Curry said.

He told commissioners that trial court funding provisions were extended to 2026 and that, without those fee extensions, counties statewide would have faced roughly $30,000,000 in additional costs to operate courts. Curry also cited a $75,000,000 backfill last session to reimburse local governments after a partial Personal Property Tax exemption for small businesses was implemented.

On roads, Curry said the House road package would shift the sales tax collected at the pump into a gas tax and redistribute substantial new dollars to counties. “There’s enough funding coming to locals in that package where we are supportive,” he said, while noting concerns about the sales-tax change to the general fund that funds revenue sharing.

Curry summarized other MAC priorities including pursuing a federal Medicaid waiver that would preserve health benefits for people charged but not yet convicted and backing efforts to secure a longer-term, dedicated solution for court funding before the 2026 sunset. He told the board MAC provides educational programs and cooperative services to counties and encouraged participation in MAC committees and upcoming conferences.

Commissioners thanked Curry for the briefing and invited him to the MAC legislative conference in Lansing in early April.

The presentation was for information; no formal county action resulted from Curry’s appearance.","Steve Curry, executive director of the Michigan Association of Counties, briefed the Barry County Board of Commissioners on MAC’s priorities including a $30 million revenue sharing increase, trial court funding through 2026, and a proposed road funding package that would shift sales tax at the pump to a gas tax.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6112999,"County extension presents spongy moth survey showing mostly low populations in sampled sites",432,1421000,1853000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746559-d8869bda20f4cad9167181885d953e56&start=1421&end=1853","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746559-d8869bda20f4cad9167181885d953e56/thumbnail_1421000.jpg","/articles/6112999/Barry-County/Michigan/County-extension-presents-spongy-moth-survey-showing-mostly-low-populations-in-sampled-sites","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6112999-232cc12c12d768eead88bb670e0980a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773623869&Signature=eWYuYMhau42yQXHtMgWk1QWW34iWaJKu6lMVwa0~93T1-LN6ct7MLHPALvlWQV1OKPPSNQljaWgwZNDQYiB1dGSW7v8NKEFMBouS9IyX90Ho42r1e0YonZjqi9eagtW3OIQ~~-CIPwInpnZtnDwsHkfw-511wu7WzZ5LYg4-R2hlagNiEuuMDFeLvcweNBlKjKviF3~rfqP4yMDdyDNoN0~WwM5XIqQ0utqKv8lbPBo6X6u89~ACbYGGKTqV6i2UAm-myCCS0u3qkKkn0CGmigIrThmleiXaEMvMk1-CozR~9Rg0uKBuHNpNC8VrsLw6YzqfCGDWTduyW71siCrN1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Danielle Zollner provided an update on spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth) monitoring and outreach at the March 18 Barry County Committee of the Whole meeting.

Zollner said the county’s survey covered 31 sites and five survey locations were on parcels of 30 acres or larger; overall, most sampled sites were below the threshold that would trigger control measures. She summarized lab results and cited work by academic researchers indicating that population dynamics for spongy moths are often driven by multiple factors, including natural pathogens. “Spongy moth populations can be patchy, but largely, we are still expecting that...the populations continue to decline,” she said, noting pilot sites where virus activity had notably reduced larvae.

Her presentation linked county outreach materials to Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University Extension resources and provided a list of contractors and community outreach plans. Zollner said the county will pursue invasive‑species work and a volunteer crew for trail clearing at Bailey Nature Preserve and reminded the board that the county’s spring tree sale runs through April 5 with pickup April 25 at Charlton Park.

Commissioners thanked Zollner and Dr. Dwyer (research collaborator) for local monitoring; one commissioner observed that Dr. Dwyer did not recommend spraying county-wide given current population projections. Zollner said recommended management for most sites is monitoring and targeted actions rather than broad spraying.

The presentation was informational; no county action was required.","Danielle Zollner presented spongy moth survey results showing low populations across sampled sites, linked state and MSU resources, and outreach plans; commissioners noted the population appears to be in decline and advised public communication to landowners.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6113004,"Broadband provider seeks Barry County letter of support for USDA-funded Thornapple Township build",192,1190000,1382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746559-d8869bda20f4cad9167181885d953e56&start=1190&end=1382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746559-d8869bda20f4cad9167181885d953e56/thumbnail_1190000.jpg","/articles/6113004/Barry-County/Michigan/Broadband-provider-seeks-Barry-County-letter-of-support-for-USDA-funded-Thornapple-Township-build","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6113004-f45e501ddb4c503cb455fef390df8e18/orig.mp4?Expires=1773623869&Signature=NrEfZrvwT7shQ0l2jIormM9kk6W4CnzX3srwGeeEGgAZqIHDnRh2cJ4y2QlckfgeX6AQsqnP85Q4wqVju3YXGSBdRPOvJjaDVvo4I1sJOrOQ8gJW-xinbr32opQn5lCVSOv6M6N9ISnAgGSV4kj~FyIckbs3bMHMiuymUD4wa8BwEUx37q5yrng-L7Ip5v8igPN8-Jc~dSI5HYGiAtIQqyq6W6VsFmYs8qKYrz-N2MSP7i~EOTX2K2DEnjwhaH07MXj1uWVEmpRctg18MNwGrwuC5gC60McDK8XonEA1cR8xdpwrUCVNZTOofnZnz48MNzSms7S1sUnRK1zHamL-Yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Steve Schultz, representing Bloomingdale Communications, told the board on March 18 that his company is applying to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for fiber-to-the-home broadband expansion in Thornapple Township and requested a county letter of support.

Schultz said Bloomingdale’s existing USDA application covers about 500 locations and the additional area his company seeks to add would include roughly 300 more locations, for a total of about 800 unserved or underserved homes and businesses around Middleville but outside the village. “This additional area is the area that we're looking at,” Schultz said, asking the county to provide a letter of support to accompany state and federal grant submissions.

He said Bloomingdale has worked with local economic development staff (Jennifer and Nicole) to assemble the application and letters of support from local town officials and that the company has significant local operating history in Van Buren and Allegan counties. Commissioners responded positively; Commissioner Bassett noted the project addresses long-standing gaps in Thornapple Township and encouraged a letter of support.

The request was made during limited public comment; the board did not take a formal roll-call vote to issue a county letter during the March 18 session but several commissioners expressed support and asked staff to ensure Schultz’s information is on file for follow-up.","Bloomingdale Communications asked the county for a letter of support for a USDA-funded fiber-to-the-home build that would add about 300 additional locations to an existing 500-location project in Thornapple Township — roughly 800 unserved/underserved locations total; commissioners indicated support.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6113005,"Commissioners schedule public hearing on PACE program after extended discussion of lender risk and property impact",321,2771000,3092000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2746559-d8869bda20f4cad9167181885d953e56&start=2771&end=3092","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2746559-d8869bda20f4cad9167181885d953e56/thumbnail_2771000.jpg","/articles/6113005/Barry-County/Michigan/Commissioners-schedule-public-hearing-on-PACE-program-after-extended-discussion-of-lender-risk-and-property-impact","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6113005-cb94cc8e6c74b29fd3c1aeb5b66fd945/orig.mp4?Expires=1773623869&Signature=EqfOtCs3Aces3DX778cTCP6s9E0gw2BbADZXnfiLfxK6UC2yDYY4-V4gNPQw6xTVO8XHGEcSgZGa7bRXy0K-6nXFkelODUOxCssIQuaZ0mC1T7zSzYWHrqB1SmKqDT3mJ1fjMaeFtaIKIh~XsrZTi7yMAuPhWente8tQPshBzhK7m9uPJbSyKD4ljfT9ANX54g9ucHLtDQ0Z57ikGDXsdowh35XEw8TAy46DtXtptuSXe2Hxs8T~H9KgjAA7rX-XQKwbamxQkU4XUtnnVz5k0C65cmvTqFJRhg8hAIIlLEhEVi-E3IsRkgf6jaljg7AGwj26F~8Q~o~mooJ4iQWC7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Barry County commissioners on March 18 heard an extended briefing and public discussion about establishing a local PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) program and agreed to hold a public hearing next week before considering final approval.

Eric (county staff) presented the draft resolution to establish a PACE program and said no immediate vote was required; a public hearing has been scheduled and the program could be considered for final approval afterward. A representative for the PACE administrator described national and Michigan experience, saying about 36–37 states have programs and that Michigan has completed 87 projects with one full default in St. Clair County involving a developer the speaker called a “bad actor.” The speaker said other late payments have been resolved and several projects prepaid their loans after penalty periods.

Commissioners asked how a PACE special assessment interacts with existing mortgages. The PACE representative said a PACE assessment is placed on the tax roll and in a default the tax portion that comes ahead of a mortgage is limited to current and past-due payments — typically a small portion (the speaker estimated less than 4 percent of the total PACE loan in practice). He said senior lenders routinely accept that structure after underwriting because the assessment does not accelerate the full loan balance.

Several commissioners raised policy questions, including whether PACE financing could increase rents or affect affordability, how a sale of property would handle an outstanding PACE assessment, and whether the county would in any circumstance have financial exposure. The PACE representative reiterated that the county does not make the loan or put county money at risk; private lenders carry repayment risk and the assessment mechanism provides a tax-based collection route.

Commissioner Smelker said he had done outreach to local businesses and intends to support forwarding the program to public hearing. Commissioner Hatfield and others said they were comfortable with moving to a public hearing and that every application would be considered individually if the program is adopted. The board did not vote to adopt the program on March 18; it scheduled a public hearing next week and deferred final action.","The Board discussed a proposed PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) program, questioned default risk and lien priority, and agreed to hold a public hearing next week before final action. A PACE representative described a low national default rate and Michigan experience (87 projects; one full default in St. Clair County).","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners recommend two park grant applications: Bailey Nature Preserve and Charlton Park

Michigan Association of Counties updates Barry County commissioners on revenue sharing, courts and road funding

County extension presents spongy moth survey showing mostly low populations in sampled sites

Broadband provider seeks Barry County letter of support for USDA-funded Thornapple Township build

Commissioners schedule public hearing on PACE program after extended discussion of lender risk and property impact