Montcalm County controller reports ARPA spending, new sick‑time notice and other updates

Montcalm County’s accounting controller updated the Board of Commissioners on American Rescue Plan Act spending, a planned county flyover, compliance with Michigan’s new sick‑time law and potential uses for recent marijuana and opioid revenue.

The controller said an ARPA summary on the commissioners’ desks showed what the county had approved and a spending status table; the largest pending item was a contracted aerial flyover scheduled to occur during the year. "The backside of the second page is where we are at with our spending," she said, describing the packet.

On employee leave, the controller said Michigan’s new sick‑time law took effect Feb. 21 and that the county’s labor counsel is drafting a compliance policy. "We did have a 30 day time frame from the 20 first to get notice out to every employee that we were going to comply by it. So that's what this represents," the controller said. She said the county will distribute the required notice to employees this week.

Commissioners also discussed recent receipts of marijuana revenue (the controller said the county had received a deposit in February totaling $465,829.28) and whether the county should consolidate spending decisions for marijuana and opioid funds. Commissioners noted past uses — including community corrections funding and appropriations for medical examiner equipment — and asked staff to consider a plan for marijuana funds rather than ad hoc decisions.

The controller also mentioned a recurring local observance request (pinwheels placed on the courthouse lawn) and several park‑rental inquiries; no formal decisions were made at the time beyond routine administrative approvals.

The board did not take formal action on ARPA allocations or a marijuana spending plan during the meeting; staff indicated they will return with proposals or requests for formal action as needed.