County approves formal IGA naming regional medical control authority as fiduciary for homeland-security grants

Muskegon County commissioners voted to approve an intergovernmental agreement that formalizes the West Michigan Regional Medical Control Authority as fiduciary for Homeland Security Grant Program funds in Region 6. Renee Gammie, the county emergency manager, told the board the agreement does not require the county to provide funds; it simply names the regional authority to handle grant administration for participating counties.

Gammie said the Region 6 agreement covers 13 counties and is meant to formalize cooperative emergency-management activities that emergency managers already coordinate, including monthly meetings, shared policy documents and mutual assistance during disasters. She described the IGA as largely administrative — a recognition of existing practice rather than a new funding commitment.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the document’s length and prior history. Gammie said the draft was prepared by a Kent County emergency manager to reflect what the region already does. A board member moved to approve the IGA, the motion was seconded, and the chair declared the motion carried after a recorded vote.

Because the IGA names a regional fiduciary rather than obligating county dollars, county staff said no budget appropriation is required. The board did not direct additional follow-up beyond filing the signed agreement and grant documents.

The county’s action completes the local approval step for the Region 6 fiscal relationship; the agreement’s administration and any future grant expenditures will be handled through the West Michigan Regional Medical Control Authority and standard grant procedures.