Montcalm County commissioners voted Dec. 15 to form a committee charged with drafting a parks ordinance that would enshrine county park rules into enforceable law.

Commissioners discussed prosecutor guidance and enforcement advantages of placing park rules into an ordinance. Commissioner Alexander noted the prosecutor had suggested an ordinance could allow prosecution in higher courts and provide stronger enforcement; commissioners debated whether a committee or full-board work was preferable.

The motion, as presented to the board, read in part: "form a committee consisting of Commissioner Alexander, Commissioner Mehar, and Commissioner Murray, and Controller Brenda Tater to establish a parks ordinance for the county parks." The board approved forming the committee and set a goal to have an ordinance reviewed by counsel and approved by March 1 so park rentals opening March 2 would be governed by the new rules; a public hearing was targeted for Feb. 23.

Why it matters: moving park rules into an ordinance changes enforcement options and could affect how county parks are managed and how violations are handled. The committee will draft a version for legal review and a public hearing.

Next steps: the committee will develop an initial draft, consult legal counsel, schedule required public-notice steps and return recommendations to the board for the Feb. 23 hearing and March approval.