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Barry County commissioners authorize multiple contracts, deny FOIA appeal and approve cybersecurity spending after closed session
Summary
At its May 26 meeting, the Barry County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved several contracts and purchases — including inmate health services with Blue Cross, a CDBG administration contract, and PolyZoom units — denied a FOIA appeal and authorized a cybersecurity contract after a closed session.
The Barry County Board of Commissioners on May 26 unanimously approved a series of contracts and purchases, denied a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) appeal and authorized the purchase of a cybersecurity contract following a closed-session discussion.
Chair David Jackson called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and the board recorded seven members present; David Hatfield was absent.
Commissioner Jon Smelker moved to approve claims totaling $33,124.77; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with Commissioners Marsha Bassett, Mike Callton, Bruce Campbell, Catherine Getty, David Jackson, Jon Smelker and Bob Teunessen voting aye and Hatfield absent.
The board approved multiple procurement and contract items. A motion by Commissioner Smelker authorized the Court Administrator and Jail Administrator to purchase replacement PolyZoom units for the Magistrate and Referee hearing rooms and three units for the Barry County Jail; the motion carried unanimously. The board also approved a one-year Barry County Inmates Administrative Services Contract with Blue Cross – Blue Shield of Michigan covering July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Another approved contract placed Smith Housing Consulting under agreement to administer CDBG Housing Improvement Grant NDD-2023-769-CDB.
The Board approved the 2027 Budget Calendar after a motion by Commissioner Mike Callton, seconded by Commissioner Catherine Getty. The board also voted to deny a FOIA denial appeal after a motion by Commissioner Bob Teunessen, seconded by Commissioner Bruce Campbell; that motion carried with all present voting aye.
The board authorized a closed session under Public Act 267 of 1976, citing MCL 15.268 (Section 8(h)) and exemptions related to security measures (MCL 15.243(u)) and cybersecurity information (MCL 15.243(z)). The board entered closed session at 10:38 a.m. and reconvened at 11:15 a.m. After returning to open session, the board approved the purchase of the cybersecurity contract discussed in closed session on a motion by Commissioner Jon Smelker supported by Commissioner Catherine Getty; the motion carried unanimously.
County Administrator Eric Zuzga thanked Central Dispatch Director Stephanie Lehman, Health Department Director Rebecca Condon and Barry County Economic Development Alliance Director Jennifer Heinzman for their leadership and welcomed Deputy Administrator Tammi Price on her first official day.
Commissioners used the reports portion of the meeting to note local developments: Commissioner Bruce Campbell said the Johnstown Township Park playground project was funded through a Parks Department grant and announced a July 4 celebration at the Delton VFW to raise funds for Revitalize Delton and the Delton Fire Department; Commissioner Marsha Bassett flagged Prairieville Township’s ongoing challenges securing full-time police coverage and ongoing short-term rental ordinance discussions.
The meeting adjourned at 11:34 a.m.
