Finance committee approves $12.8M in claims; forwards bonds, grants and contracts to full board

The Ottawa County Finance Administration Committee on July 8 approved the June 1–30, 2025 general claims totaling $12,774,224.05 and voted to forward several measures to the full Board of Commissioners, including a full-faith-and-credit pledge for Nash Creek intercounty drain bonds, acceptance of a FY2024 Homeland Security Grant intergovernmental agreement, and several procurement and grant items.

Votes and key outcomes (all motions approved and forwarded to the board unless noted):

- Accounts payable: Approved general claims in the amount of $12,774,224.05 for the period 06/01/2025–06/30/2025. Vote: approved by roll call.

- Full faith and credit pledge — Nash Creek intercounty drain bonds: Committee approved and will forward a resolution pledging Ottawa County’s full faith and credit for Nash Creek intercounty drain bonds in an amount not to exceed $4,100,000. Ottawa County’s share was stated as 16 percent (equating to $656,000), with Kent County responsible for the remaining 84 percent ($3,444,000). The committee’s presentation noted the project is a rehabilitation of the drain following flooding and that assessments rest with the drain district and petitioning property owners; the pledge is required for bond approval. Vote: approved by roll call.

- FY2024 Homeland Security Grant intergovernmental agreement: Committee approved and will forward the FY2024 Homeland Security Grant IGA. Presenters noted that county allocations from the regional grant program have declined over time and that the county participates in a 13-county Region 6 planning group; the item prepares the county to use funds when they become available. Vote: approved by roll call.

- Sixth District regional mutual aid agreement: Approved and forwarded the agreement that codifies emergency management mutual aid among the participating 13 counties. The agreement formalizes existing cooperative practices and reimbursement procedures. Vote: approved by roll call.

- Rooftop unit replacements (Holland Courthouse): The committee approved forwarding a contract with Advanced Construction Group for replacement of 11 rooftop units at the Holland Courthouse, totaling $176,000. Facilities staff said the replacements will include standard modern features such as low‑leak economizers and variable-frequency-drive (VFD) fans and are funded from the capital improvement (CIP) budget. Vote: approved by roll call.

- Michigan Health Endowment Fund grant — environmental health software: Approved and forwarded a grant agreement with the Michigan Health Endowment Fund in the amount of $200,000 to replace expiring environmental health inspection and licensing software. Presenters said the new system will provide online portals for licensees to view inspection reports and invoices, pay fees, and potentially streamline licensing renewals. Vote: approved by roll call.

- FY2025 budget adjustments: Committee approved forwarding the FY2025 budget adjustments as presented in the meeting packet. Vote: approved by roll call.

Routine procedural items: The committee approved the consent agenda (minutes from 06/10/2025) and the statement of review (mileage) as presented.

Several presenters and staff were on hand to describe the items: a project representative discussed the Nash Creek drain bond and scope (rehabilitation, ponds, flood mitigation), the county emergency management director explained the Homeland Security grant and regional planning, facilities staff outlined the HVAC replacements, and environmental health and IT staff described the software replacement and its customer-portal features. Treasurer Cheryl Clark delivered a monthly finance and investment update noting June yields above benchmark and ongoing investment-policy compliance.

All forwarded items will go to the full Board of Commissioners for final action. The committee did not register any recorded dissent in the meeting minutes; each action was approved by roll call during the session.