By Paul Garrod
Staff writer
news4garrod@gmail.com
PAW PAW – Van Buren County Commissioners on Sept. 24, reviewed and approved the annual memorandum of agreement between Van Buren County and Michigan State University (MSU) for MSU Extension services to be provided in Van Buren County during FY 2024-2025.
The agreement outlines the financial commitment for services, including a base assessment of $69,963, an additional 50 percent 4-H Educator for $36,429, and a combined 35 percent Agronomy Educator and 50 percent Consumer Horticulture/Veterans Liaison at a cost of $100,211, bringing the total agreement to $206,603. Funding for this agreement was approved in the MSU Extension 2024-2025 County General Fund Budget.
Commissioners approved a request from Domestic Violence Coalition to renew its annual agreement with Van Buren County for the provision of services during FY 2024-2025.
The agreement is renewed annually at the beginning of each fiscal year, with no changes to the terms and conditions of the agreement except for the updated dates reflecting the FY 2024-2025 term. The amount budgeted for services rendered under this agreement is $25,000 to be paid on Nov.1, 2024.
Commissioners approved an annual agreement with Recovery Zone Services that provides for essential services and is renewed at the beginning of each fiscal year. The FY 2024-2025 renewal agreement contains no substantive changes other than the updated dates for the upcoming fiscal year. The county has budgeted $25,160 for services rendered under the agreement in FY 2024-2025, ensuring the continuation of services within the allocated budget.
Commissioners approved the Van Buren Conservation District’s (VBCD) Resource Recovery Services Agreement for FY 2025, contracting the VBCD to administer resource recovery services at the rate of $100,000. Commissioners previously approved $100,000 for Resource Recovery services and contracted the VBCD to administer these services for FY 2024, with the agreement set to expire Sept. 30, 2024.
The Southwest Michigan Regional Planning Commission (SWMPC) has made recommendations for appointments to the Materials Management Planning Commission (MMPC) following an open application process and evaluation of applicants based on the criteria required by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The required membership includes representatives from various sectors such as the solid waste disposal industry, materials utilization facilities, hauling operators, composting facilities, waste diversion operators, environmental groups, businesses generating managed material, regional planning agencies, and local elected officials.
The recommended appointments include individuals who represent the solid waste disposal industry, hauling operators, composting facility operators, businesses that generate managed materials, and elected officials from Van Buren County and other participating counties, as well as the Pokagon Sovereign Nation.
Commissioners approved a request from the Van Buren County Building Authority Board to re-appoint Paul DeYoung to a new three-year term, set to expire Dec. 31, 2027. DeYoung, a Van Buren County resident since 1993, has served as the county’s Register of Deeds since 2012.
Commissioners approved a request from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office for an employee to attend the National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI) in Hoover, Alabama, from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1. The National Computer Forensics Institute (NCFI), hosted by the U.S. Secret Service, offers specialized training to law enforcement officers in computer forensics and cybercrime investigations, focusing on digital currency fraud, which continues to be a growing concern.
Commissioners said the knowledge and skills acquired at this training will enhance the Sheriff’s Office’s ability to investigate fraud complaints, particularly those involving digital currency, benefiting the department and the wider Van Buren County community.
The U.S. Secret Service will cover all associated costs, including travel, lodging, and a per diem for the employee attending the training.
Commissioners approved a request from Pastor Steven Green of Truth Church, who submitted a request to use the Van Buren County Park in Paw Paw for a community prayer event, “Pray for the Nation,” Sunday, Nov. 3, from 3 to 4 p.m.
Commissioners approved a termination agreement with Whelan & Co., Acrisure, effective Oct. 1, 2024. Van Buren County purchased the building located at 315 S. Kalamazoo St., Paw Paw, in Paw Paw (Whelan Building) in 2022.
The county subsequently entered two concurrent leases with Whelan & Co and Acrisure, both set to expire on April 30, 2025, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the lease terms.
The annual lease is valued at $31,250, with monthly rent set at $2,604, and terminating the leases early will result in the loss of seven months of rental income, totaling $18,229.
The State of Michigan approved the Van Buren County Child Care Fund Annual Plan and Budget for FY25. The approved plan includes reimbursement rates of 50 percent for detention and residential services, and 75 percent for all other programming, including the entire juvenile probation department.
The Child Care Fund plan reflects significant changes related to juvenile justice reform, with financial support from the State to assist the county in complying with the new requirements.
Van Buren County applied for and has been selected to receive a FY 2024 USDA Housing Preservation Grant of $105,701 to finance the repair and rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes within rural Van Buren County. The grant will support low- and very low-income homeowners in the county with necessary home repairs and rehabilitation, improving the quality of life for residents and strengthening the community.
The USDA grant term is for one year, and the funds will enable the renovation of approximately 10 homes, contingent upon securing a $389,626 matching fund request from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) through the MI Neighborhoods program. The initial grant request was for $317,000 over two years, aiming to renovate 18 homes with staff support, but the reduced funding will allow for completion of fewer homes unless additional matching funds are secured.
Commissioners said the Van Buren County Community Services Department is actively pursuing the additional funding from MSHDA through the MI Neighborhoods Grant of $389,626 to enhance the renovation budget and build administrative capacity for further housing projects.
Commissioners approved the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) contract 2022-0144 P7 for the funding of a replacement bus.
