Ottawa County committee approves $2.48 million transfer from public health and childcare funds amid public concern

The Ottawa County Finance & Administration Committee voted April 2 to reallocate $1,839,314 in excess unrestricted balance from the Department of Public Health fund and $640,026 from the Childcare fund — a total of $2,479,340 — back to the county general fund and forwarded the action to the Board of Commissioners.

The move drew public comment and questions from residents about timing and safeguards. Karen Obitz of Spring Lake Village told the committee she opposed the action and urged restoration of funding for an Ottawa Food Coordinator, saying the transfer “feels in step with the Ottawa Impact agenda” and asking residents to watch how the funds are used. Melanie Scolton of Park Township pressed staff for details about the $2,355,237 figure cited in prior materials, asked whether the general fund needs the money to remain solvent and how the public health department would access funds in an…