Benzie County OKs ARPA support for early-childhood programs and $2.25M in budget amendments
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Summary
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved $36,000 in ARPA funding for countywide early-childhood professional development and food assistance, plus three budget amendments totaling $2,246,725 for ARPA and capital projects; board members also heard an ARPA‑supported Homestretch housing update.
The Benzie County Board of Commissioners approved ARPA-funded support for local early‑childhood services and authorized larger budget amendments totaling $2,246,725 at its April 23 meeting.
Motion by Commissioner Art Jeannot and seconded by Commissioner Nye, the board approved $36,000 to fund Benzie Central and Frankfort‑Elberta School early‑childhood professional development and food assistance. The motion also authorized up to $4,000 for Whistle Stop Learning Center (Ashley Lindstrom) to replace a security door and locking system, contingent on proof of payment.
“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our schools, shelters, hospitals, hotlines, faith based and community groups,” County Commission Chair Bob Roelofs said during opening proclamations. Representatives from local providers said many programs rely heavily on volunteer and grant support.
In a separate vote, the board authorized three budget amendments related to ARPA and capital funding totaling $2,246,725 (motion by Jeannot, seconded by Nye). The amendments were presented as part of routine fiscal housekeeping and capital planning; the board approved them by roll call with all present voting aye (Commissioners Cunningham, Jeannot, Markey, Nye, Roelofs, and Sauer; Commissioner Warsecke excused).
Earlier in the morning, Jon Stimson, executive director of Homestretch, gave an update on a county housing project supported with ARPA funding and answered commissioners’ questions. Officials said staff will continue to work on implementation details and return to the board with further information as required.
The board also accepted a $17,000 grant and approved a corresponding budget amendment for a marijuana prevention education and outreach campaign (motion by Cunningham, seconded by Sauer), and approved an $11,515 budget amendment to cover repairs to a sheriff’s office vehicle (motion by Jeannot, seconded by Markey).
The board’s actions on ARPA and capital amendments followed presentations from county staff and outside partners and were approved unanimously by members present. The board is expected to review implementation details of the larger capital projects in future meetings.