Cass County commissioners approve deputy medical examiner appointment, committee changes and budget adjustments; animal shelter to receive $48,863 donation

The Cass County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to appoint a new deputy medical examiner and adopted amended committee assignments and budget adjustments during a regularly scheduled meeting. Vice Chair Lawrence announced the county would receive $48,863.01 from the Margaret M. Duncan Trust for the county animal shelter and reminded residents about two upcoming rabies clinics.

The board voted by roll call to approve Resolution R 4 20 26 appointing a deputy medical examiner after Commissioner Marchetti moved the resolution and it received a second. Clerk roll-call responses recorded Commissioners Grice, Northrop, Chair Jones, Lawrence, Langley and Marchetti voting "yes;" the resolution passed. "I hope you approve that resolution on our board," Commissioner Marchetti said as she presented the appointment.

On committee assignments, the board approved Motion M 17 20 26 to change committee memberships as amended, moving Chair Jones off the policy committee and adding Commissioner Northrop. Commissioner Marchetti made the motion and it passed by voice vote.

The board also approved Motion M18 20 26 to adopt budget adjustments as presented. Commissioner Marchetti moved the budget adjustments; the motion received support and was approved by voice vote.

Vice Chair Lawrence announced two rabies clinics at the county animal shelter — January 31 and February 21, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — and said preregistration is required. Lawrence also reported that the county will receive a donation from the Margaret M. Duncan Trust totaling $48,863.01, and that the paperwork was signed last week. "So we'll be receiving that here pretty quick," Lawrence said.

Commissioner Marchetti summarized recent food-pantry activity in Edwardsburg: 200 families received turkey, pie and food at Thanksgiving; 209 families received ham, pie and food at Christmas; 117 children received toys; and 125 blankets were distributed. She said the Board of Public Works is advancing plans to provide sewer to Bankson Lake in Porter Township, with the Lakes Area Sewer Authority to accept sewage; a funding proposal is under consideration.

Judge Bealer thanked the board for timely delayed-start decisions during severe weather, saying staff appreciated the notice and safety benefits. "I've had many staff thank us for that," Bealer said, noting the public-service impact when roads were poor.

The meeting also included a brief procedural discussion on whether to move public comment on agenda items until after the board approves or amends the agenda; Administrator Rentfroze indicated the policy committee would review the suggestion.

The board approved the consent agenda, including meeting minutes listed in the packet as "01/08/2025" (as read into the record), and then adjourned.