Barry County Board ratifies deputy‑sheriff union proposal, approves $3.88M in prepaid invoices and tax rate request

The Barry County Board of Commissioners on May 12 ratified a pre‑ratified collective bargaining proposal with the Police Officers Labor Council Deputy Sheriff Unit and approved several routine financial items, including $3,881,159.79 in prepaid invoices and the county’s 2026 L‑7029 tax rate request.

Chair David Jackson opened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. in the Old Courthouse Commission Chambers in Hastings. After routine presentations and reports, the board approved the consent agenda, including April 27 meeting minutes. Catherine Getty moved to approve the minutes; Jon Smelker seconded and the motion carried with all eight commissioners recorded as aye.

The board then approved prepaid invoices totaling $3,881,159.79 (motion by Catherine Getty, seconded by Mike Callton), regular claims of $63,090.41 (moved by Bob Teunessen, seconded by Jon Smelker), and commissioners’ mileage reimbursements of $232.00 (moved by Jon Smelker, seconded by Bruce Campbell). Each of those motions passed unanimously, according to the minutes.

Following financial approvals, the board approved the 2026 L‑7029 Tax Rate Request authorizing the levy of property taxes; the request was to be signed by the chair and clerk (moved by David Hatfield, seconded by Bob Teunessen) and carried on a unanimous vote. The board also approved 2026 elected official and chief deputy salaries (motion moved by Bob Teunessen; seconded by David Hatfield).

A motion to renew the agreement with Professional Code Inspections of Michigan, Inc. (PCI) to provide State Construction Code services under a 10‑year contract (including adoption of the current fee schedule) was moved by Marsha Bassett and seconded by David Hatfield but was withdrawn by Bassett for further consideration; the item was rescheduled for the May 26 agenda.

The board entered closed session under the Open Meetings Act for labor negotiations at 10:57 a.m. (motion by Jon Smelker, seconded by David Hatfield) and reconvened at 11:27 a.m. After returning to open session, the board voted to ratify the Union Pre‑ratified Proposal dated April 20, 2026 with the Police Officers Labor Council Deputy Sheriff Unit and authorized the chair to sign the successor collective bargaining agreement upon approval as to form by the Barry County Attorney (motion by David Hatfield, seconded by Bob Teunessen). The motion carried with all commissioners voting yes.

Administrator Eric Zuzga introduced Tammi Price, who will join the administration office on May 26 as Deputy County Administrator/Finance Director, and thanked commissioners for finalizing labor negotiations. Commissioners raised questions about building security analyses and possible office relocations during the administrator’s report. Commissioner Jon Smelker also requested that future proposed county office closures requiring a shutdown be brought before the commission for a vote with sufficient notice to constituents.

During reports and public comment, Barry County Community Mental Health Executive Director Rich Thiemkey highlighted his agency’s annual report and Sheriff Leaf reported that in‑car camera installations are underway while the office is still waiting for portable radios and body cameras. Sheriff Leaf also said the Sheriff’s Office will provide security for a gubernatorial candidate event planned for June 6 at the Barry Expo Center.

Commissioners noted community activity: Delton‑Kellogg scholarships totaling $127,000 will be awarded to graduating seniors; the Household Hazardous Waste event collected nearly $4,300 in donations; and the Brian Appel Memorial Bike Rodeo will be held in Middleville.

The meeting adjourned at 11:48 a.m.