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Board debates but takes no action on maintenance plan for former Friend of the Court building
Summary
County Commissioners discussed a proposed construction-manager contract for maintenance and improvements at the former Friend of the Court building after several public speakers and county employees opposed the plan; the board took no action.
County Administrator Eric Zuzga presented a proposed construction‑manager contract with Progressive AE to carry out maintenance and facility improvements at the former Friend of the Court (FOC) building, but the Barry County Board of Commissioners took no action after public comment and discussion.
The proposal drew opposition during public comment. Gary White of Castleton Township said he submitted a FOIA request about the building’s use and voiced opposition to the maintenance project. Kerri Essner, a county employee and board member of the Courthouse Employees Association, also spoke against the project. Larry Bass of the Carlton Center urged that any ad hoc stakeholder committee be treated under the Michigan Open Meetings Act, requiring meeting minutes and publication, and urged transparency in decisionmaking.
Administrator Zuzga led the presentation and discussion but no motion to adopt a construction‑manager contract with Progressive AE was recorded at the Committee of the Whole meeting. Minutes show the board discussed the proposal and heard public comment but deferred taking action.
The record does not specify next steps for the FOC building contract or a timeline for revisiting the proposal; the board did not vote and did not direct staff to a specific follow-up during this session.
