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Genesee County commissioners vote 7-2 to place amended health services millage on November ballot
Summary
After extended debate about fund balance, oversight and process, the Genesee County Board of Commissioners voted 7-2 to place a renewal of the health services millage on the November ballot, amending the levy from 0.9680 mills to 0.8 mills for five years.
The Genesee County Board of Commissioners voted 7-2 to place a renewal of the county’s health services millage on the November ballot, approving an amendment that lowers the levy from 0.9680 mills to 0.8 mills for five years.
The board approved the amended resolution after debate about the county’s fund balance, accountability for recipients of millage dollars, and whether the county’s approach to funding public health is unique. Commissioner Kuseno moved the amendment to reduce the proposed levy; Dr. Brown supported the motion. Corporation Counsel advised the board that, under Robert’s Rules, a question returned to the assembly on reconsideration may be opened to amendment, debate and further action.
Why it matters: Commissioners said they wanted the public to decide whether to renew the levy but disagreed about process and oversight. Several members raised concerns that Genesee County’s health outcomes remain poor despite substantial county spending and questioned whether the millage is the most effective way to improve results.
Commissioner Flewelling highlighted county spending figures, saying, “In the upcoming year, we will be spending 8.272 million for uninsured people in this county,” and adding that including the jail raises the county’s health-related spending to $13,823,620. Commissioner Kuseno said the five-year term and reduced levy would allow future boards to reassess and avoid levying the full amount immediately.
Other commissioners urged more advance scrutiny of millage proposals and stronger performance oversight for organizations that receive funds. Commissioner Shoemaker said the workshop held before the vote did not answer all questions and urged ongoing review: “We had an opportunity to change them and make things better. But instead…we decided, guess what? Let’s do it now.”
The chair explained the board convened a special meeting to meet an August 11 deadline for getting a question onto the November ballot and to ensure members who missed the prior meeting could participate. The clerk announced the motion carried 7 to 2. The meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
Next steps: Because the board approved placing the amended question on the ballot, the county will proceed with the administrative steps required to place the levy renewal before voters. Commissioners said they plan further review and follow-up on how millage funds are spent.
