Residents and officials spar over Community Services Coordinating Body, health leadership as measles risk cited

At the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners meeting on April 16, residents and commissioners exchanged sharply worded remarks over the Community Services Coordinating Body and the county health department’s leadership amid warnings about a regional measles outbreak.

Commissioner Beaudin opened the exchange by disputing an earlier Advisory Board of Health remark that she had “appointed myself” to the CSCB. Beaudin said she reviewed public minutes showing the board voted to appoint her to the CSCB on Jan. 2, 2025, and that Commissioner Rushing was designated as the alternate. “I did not appoint myself to that committee. It was this board that did that,” Beaudin said, adding she did not appreciate having her integrity questioned.

Commissioner David Rushing acknowledged he had been incorrect after checking with staff and said the chair makes appointments that are then voted on by the board. Rushing also summarized information from the Advisory Board of Health, saying the CSCB’s auditing is handled internally by Community Mental Health, and noted the CSCB has a reported budget figure discussed by commenters.

Multiple members of the public told the commission they were concerned about transparency, small expenditures and larger programmatic consequences. Mary Lou Kramer, a Port Huron resident, highlighted a regional measles situation, saying eight confirmed cases had been identified in Southeast Michigan as of April 15 and that St. Clair County childhood vaccination coverage was under 70% in 2024. “Sustained vaccination coverage of at least 95% is required to prevent measles outbreaks,” Kramer said, and she cited response costs in the region.

Other speakers criticized the board for focusing on a county CSCB dues allocation (which speakers said is $7,500 annually) while, they alleged, the county has previously declined larger grants; they urged the board to explain the CSCB’s role and fiscal impacts. Dawn Davie and Lauren Krewell, among others, said Commissioner Rushing’s questions at the advisory meeting repeated information already available in public records and urged commissioners to call staff or read minutes before raising public allegations.

Medical voices at the microphone raised alarm about health leadership. Dr. Renee Smith, a physician in the audience, said she believed Dr. Nevin should not have his contract renewed and questioned whether his experience fit the county’s needs as a medical supervisor. A veteran speaker, Vincent Sotomayor, said the board should be cautious about off-the-record contact that could create the appearance of a conspiracy. Several public commenters asked the board to clarify whether Dr. Nevin could be appointed to a broader role in the health department and urged the board to prioritize residents’ safety.

County administrators and commissioners said they would review the issues. Chairperson Smaszcz and staff indicated the CSCB and related questions will be further discussed in committee and on the May agenda; Commissioner Rushing said staff member Tom Hall would work with partners to gather resources. No formal board action to change CSCB funding or health-department contracts was taken at the meeting.

The board accepted public comment and asked staff to return with more information. The matter is expected to resurface at committee meetings and on the May 7 agenda for additional discussion.