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County executive: Bay County Health Services building on track; officials address animal shelter concerns
Summary
County official Barsha told the board the new Bay County Health Services building is progressing, funded largely by federal ARP ($9 million) and a $2 million congressional contribution, with a pending MDHHS lease expected to occupy about 40% of the space; he also responded to resident concerns about the county animal shelter and said the old building will not be torn down.
County official Mr. Barsha told the Bay County Board of Commissioners on April 21 that the new Bay County Health Services building is progressing and that construction delays have pushed an expected opening from May toward early June.
"Everything is proceeding very well," Barsha told the board after a site visit. He said county leaders are resolving a minor fiber delay with a subcontractor but reassured commissioners that the project carries "zero impact to the county budget." Barsha reported funding sources the county is relying on: $9 million from federal ARP pandemic funds and $2 million from Congressman Kild, and he said a pending lease with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services would occupy roughly 40% of the building once finalized. He cautioned, "that's pending" and staff reminded the board the agreement was not yet final.
Barsha also addressed public concerns raised by Richard Spencer about the county's animal shelter and the fate of older shelter buildings at the fairgrounds. Barsha said the new shelter is an improvement and that the 1960s building will not be torn down; it is currently used for record storage. He introduced director Matt Bieber (transcript also refers to "Beaver"), who oversees veterans services and the animal shelter, and invited Spencer for a follow-up tour.
During commissioners' comments, staff and directors described efforts to manage feral cats, placement and transfer programs to other counties, and a reported adopt/transfer rate of roughly 97' 98% for animals seen by the shelter. Commissioners said the larger new facility should help with capacity for cats and offered to discuss details with residents after the meeting.
What happens next: County staff will continue building oversight, pursue the pending MDHHS lease, and follow up with residents about the old shelter building and animal-placement programs.
