Committees brief board on upcoming contract, speed study and facility projects

Committee chairs told the Berrien County Board of Commissioners that several items will come before the full board at the next meeting, including a proposed contract between the Friend of the Court and consulting firm MGT to support Title IV-D child support program work and a county-requested speed study in Berrien Township.

At the Education/Administration committee briefing, a commissioner said, “This is to approve a contract between the friend of the court and MGT, and this is to fund Title IV d Child Support Program.” That contract and other items — including a speed study on Snyder Road, Rangeline Road and Lake Chapin Road in Berrien Township — were listed in committee reports and placed on next week’s agenda for board consideration.

The committees also reported internal personnel and policy matters. The Friend of the Court and county prosecutor’s office had adjustments to staffing and complement discussed in committee. Committee members noted proposed updates to county policies on solicitation on county property, political activities of employees and public-speaking procedures. An “advanced step” promotion request for the family division was approved at committee and will be reflected in upcoming board paperwork.

Separately, commissioners discussed a $0.00 contract for architectural design of a proposed road department garage entered into last week; a small committee of commissioners and road department staff will be assembled to guide the selection and design process.

Why it matters: The MGT contract, if approved, would fund Title IV-D child-support program activities that affect case administration countywide. The speed study could lead to roadway safety changes in Berrien Township.

What’s next: The identified resolutions and contracts will be on the board agenda next week for formal consideration.