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Mecosta County board approves FY2024 MET allocations despite public opposition
Summary
After extensive public comment opposing MET funds to Green Charter Township, the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners approved FY2024 MET allocations on a 4-1 vote and reclaimed a prior $75,000 award to Manna Pantry.
The Mecosta County Board of Commissioners voted July 3 to approve its FY2024 MET funding allocations despite widespread public comment urging the board not to direct MET funds to Green Charter Township.
Commissioner Gary Lambrix moved to approve the allocations as presented; Commissioner Greg Adams seconded and the motion passed on a 4-1 roll-call vote, with Commissioner William Routley opposing. The vote followed a multi-speaker public comment period during which more than a dozen residents urged the board to reconsider awarding MET money to Green Charter Township and asked that the board prioritize charitable organizations.
Earlier in the meeting the board also reclaimed a prior $75,000 MET award that had been allocated to Manna Pantry. County Administrator Mindy Taylor told commissioners Manna Pantry could not use the funds for the originally intended building purchase and had proposed four alternative uses; the board voted 5-0 to reclaim the $75,000 rather than approve a change of use.
The public comment period included speakers from several townships and the city of Big Rapids who said MET funds should support local charities and not be used for legal fees or township expenses. A few attendees spoke in favor of allocation to Green Charter Township. Chair Chris Zimmerman read a prepared statement thanking the public for their input before business resumed.
The board did not adopt any immediate changes to its MET policy at the meeting; members indicated they would reconsider how allocations are made in future sessions. The FY2024 MET allocations were approved as presented, and the reclaimed Manna Pantry award will be returned to the county’s MET funding pool or otherwise reallocated per board direction.
