Barry County board adopts 2026 budget, approves grant applications and claims
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Summary
The Barry County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution #25-22 approving the 2026 budget and millage after a public hearing; the board also approved $120,640.95 in claims and authorized two grant actions, all by unanimous vote.
The Barry County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 28 adopted Resolution #25-22, approving the 2026 county budget, general appropriations act and millage following a public hearing. The motion, moved by Commissioner David Hatfield and supported by Commissioner Catherine Getty, passed unanimously with Commissioners Marsha Bassett, Mike Callton, Getty, Hatfield, David Jackson and Bob Teunessen voting aye (Bruce Campbell and Jon Smelker were absent).
The board opened a public hearing on the proposed 2026 budget at 9:13 a.m.; public commenters raised concerns about jail funding and county staffing priorities. Gary White of Castleton Township spoke about item f and jail funding, Shelly Lake of Irving Township expressed concern about shifting duties from the Treasurer's Office to Administration, and Joel Ibbotson of Rutland Township urged higher pay for Corrections and Road Deputies. Chris Stafford promoted a Career Consortium informational meeting scheduled that evening. The hearing closed at 9:24 a.m.
In related business the board approved claims totaling $120,640.95 on a motion by Commissioner David Hatfield, supported by Commissioner Catherine Getty. The board also approved submittal of a 2025 grant narrative/application to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation, to support the Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force’s education, communication and outreach on the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act; that motion was moved by Commissioner Bob Teunessen and supported by Commissioner Marsha Bassett. Separately, the board approved the State of Michigan FY2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant Agreement and authorized the chair and county administrator to sign, on a motion by Commissioner Bassett supported by Commissioner Callton. All motions passed unanimously.
The budget vote followed discussion from County Administrator Eric Zuzga, who reviewed projections included with the proposed 2026 budget that also contain planning figures for 2027 and 2028. The adopted budget and millage set the county’s spending plan for the coming fiscal year and allocates funds to operations referenced in the hearing, including contingency and facility needs.
Votes at a glance: Resolution #25-22 (2026 Barry County Budget): moved Hatfield, supported Getty; outcome: adopted (Ayes: Bassett, Callton, Getty, Hatfield, Jackson, Teunessen; Absent: Campbell, Smelker). Claims approval ($120,640.95): moved Hatfield, supported Getty; outcome: approved. LARA grant submission for Substance Abuse Task Force: moved Teunessen, supported Bassett; outcome: approved. FY2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant Agreement: moved Bassett, supported Callton; outcome: approved.
The board took no further formal action on the public comments at the meeting; concerns raised during the hearing will be part of the public record for the adopted budget. The board adjourned at 10:54 a.m.