Board approves bylaw change letting appointments committee conduct interviews for several authorities

The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners amended its bylaws April 15 to shift interviews for several local authority appointments to the board appointments committee, a change the board said is intended to improve efficiency in the appointment process.

Corporation Counsel’s office presented draft changes to the board’s rules of procedure to allow recommendations made in the board appointments committee for bodies that include the Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority and Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. The change removes those authorities from the list of positions that previously required interviews at a full board meeting; the bylaws will still require full‑board interviews for Road Commission and the Kalamazoo County Aeronautics Board.

Why the change: Board efficiency and candidate comfort

Vice Chair Taylor, who advocated for the change, said moving interviews to the appointments committee reduces intimidation for candidates and frees the full board’s time for other matters: “A lot of the time, we have ... two people interviewing for two spots, and I feel it's a bit intimidating for people to come and interview for the full board and, quite frankly, not the best use of time for the full board of commissioners.” Several commissioners supported the change as a workload and scheduling improvement for the full board.

Opposing concerns

Some commissioners opposed the amendment, arguing that certain appointments — including housing authority and land bank positions — are significant enough that the full board should hear from applicants directly. Commissioner Morales asked that the full board maintain direct involvement for important authorities and noted scheduling constraints created when many appointments are handled in evening meetings.

Vote and implementation

Commissioner Ray moved the amendment and Commissioner Morales seconded the motion. The roll call vote resulted in six yes votes and two no votes; the measure carried. The board appointments committee will now interview applicants and forward recommendations to the full board for formal action on the listed authorities, while road commission and aeronautics board interviews remain with the full board.

Ending

Corporation Counsel said she would correct a typographical (Scribner’s) error before the final text is posted and that her office will prepare the updated bylaw language for the next regular meeting.