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Resident raises concerns about Our Friend's House dismissal; commissioners clarify OCCOA oversight
Summary
Hart Township residents alleged staffing and access changes at Our Friend's House following the dismissal of a coordinator; the board clarified that the Oceana County Council on Aging is governed by its own board and not directly overseen by county commissioners.
Hart Township resident Clair Sloan told the Finance & Administration Committee on Sept. 11 he was "devastated" by the dismissal of Tammy Smith from Our Friend's House and described feeling targeted and concerned about changes to operations. Mary Sloan, a caregiver, said caregivers are no longer permitted past the front door and cited information from the OCCOA's 2024 Form 990 as part of her concerns about the council's operations.
Chairperson Walker read a formal response to OCCOA correspondence: "I/We understand your concerns, however, the Oceana County Council on Aging is a nonprofit organization governed by its own board of directors that are not appointed by the Oceana County Board of Commissioners. While there is a dedicated millage that supports its programs, the Board of Commissioners does not oversee the council’s operations. The millage they receive from Oceana County taxpayers is a millage voted in by the county voters." That statement, read into the minutes, frames the county board's limited direct authority over OCCOA governance.
No formal action was recorded in response to the public comments; the concerns were entered into the minutes for committee consideration and any follow-up would depend on the private nonprofit's board or subsequent correspondence. Committee members did not record a directive to the county to intervene in OCCOA governance during the Sept. 11 meeting.
