Oakland County committee backs interlocal agreement to transition two Bloomfield properties to county parks

Oakland County commissioners recommended forwarding an interlocal agreement with the Bloomfield Hills School District that will move operations of two school‑owned properties into county parks management.

Commissioner Gerson moved the recommendation and the committee approved it by voice vote. County staff and parks leaders said the arrangement is intended to avoid service interruptions while the county creates positions, moves programs onto its payroll and finalizes operational responsibilities.

County staff described the two properties as an active school farm (Bowers School Farm) and the Johnson Nature Center. Staff said the transition will proceed in phases, with an initial operational handoff scheduled for July 1 and a final transfer by Oct. 1 to align with the school district fiscal year. The county said Michigan State University Extension will serve as an interim manager of farm operations during the bridge period.

Commissioners asked about staffing and unions, and staff said positions must be created under county merit rules and posted for open competitive appointment; that process could extend into the fall. Staff also said the farm generates summer revenue and that the agreement is designed to be roughly net zero (the district will collect revenues and invoice the county for net costs during the transition).

Members requested a follow‑up briefing on millage impacts and budget charts; staff agreed to return with more detailed figures at a later committee meeting.

The committee recorded approval to recommend the item to finance; the clerk recorded the procedural vote as passed on the committee level.