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Commission confirms several appointments, approves claims and labor agreement; calendars adjusted
Summary
The board approved appointments to the Building Authority (recommendation for Chad Hunt forwarded for final approval), Parks Commission (Emily Hittat), Land Preservation Board (Kimberly Kiley Sinclair), approved claims and monthly financials, and ratified a bargaining agreement; commissioners also discussed canceling a December meeting and scheduling special meetings as needed.
The Van Buren County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 9 handled a slate of appointments and routine consent business.
Appointments: Paul DeYoung, chair of the County Building Authority, recommended Chad Hunt for appointment to the Building Authority for a three‑year term expiring 12/31/2028 because of Hunt’s familiarity with a recent bond renovation project and prior participation in authority meetings. Commissioners discussed potential conflict‑of‑interest concerns; the appointment was moved forward to the Dec. 23 Board of Commissioners meeting for final approval.
The board also moved and approved appointments for Emily Hittat to the Parks Commission (term through 12/31/2028) and Kimberly Kiley Sinclair to the Land Preservation Board for three years (term through 12/31/2028). Motions to approve both appointments were supported and carried by voice vote.
Finance and claims: Staff presented claims totaling $10,348,000 and reviewed monthly financials noting revenues and expenses compared with the previous year. Commissioners voted to approve claims and financial routine items by voice vote.
Labor agreement: The board ratified a collective bargaining agreement for police officers and corrections (language in packet); the motion was approved by voice.
Calendar and scheduling: Staff recommended canceling the second December meeting because pending negotiations were not expected to be ready; commissioners agreed to cancel and discussed scheduling a special meeting as needed. Several commissioners noted the need to continue committee work and to call special meetings on an as‑needed basis.
Outcome: All consent items and claims were approved by voice vote; the Building Authority appointment of Chad Hunt was recommended and forwarded for final action on Dec. 23.
