Residents ask Macomb County to delay vote on solid‑waste plan amendment, citing lack of clarity

Connie Jones, a Richmond resident, told the Macomb County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 19 that the amendment to the county’s solid‑waste management plan should be postponed because the version posted online is "confusing and incomplete," and has prevented meaningful public review. "Why is Waste Management determining our future?" Jones asked, urging a delay so residents can read the full plan and ask informed questions.

Commissioner Howard, speaking later during committee items, framed the county’s role in solid‑waste and wastewater decisions as part of a multi‑step process that includes municipal approvals and state oversight. She told residents the board’s action typically moves to local municipalities, where two‑thirds of cities must approve measures before final implementation, and encouraged citizens to raise concerns first with local councils.

The comment period at the meeting did not produce a motion to postpone the amendment; no formal vote on the specific solid‑waste amendment is recorded in the meeting transcript. Commissioners did approve a set of public‑services committee recommendations later in the meeting, but the transcript does not explicitly link those votes to the amendment Jones referenced.

The petition to delay centers on transparency: Jones said materials provided at the Feb. 12 meeting were essentially lobbying material from Waste Management and that residents have not been given the information required for meaningful public participation under the Open Meetings Act. She recommended that, if the amendment truly benefits Macomb County, it should withstand public review.

Next steps: Commissioners encouraged residents to engage their local municipal officials — the transcript records advice that local councils and mayors are the first venue to raise substantive concerns — and no further county action on the specific amendment is recorded in the Feb. 19 proceedings.