A Note From the Administrator

During the October 10th Board of Commissioners Meeting, I had the privilege of presenting a recommended balanced budget, which was adopted as proposed.  The budget is the result of collaboration with many individuals who contributed to the final product and kept the Board engaged in its development over several months. I am particularly pleased with the extensive planning that comprises the budget, including multi-year operational plans, 20+ year capital plans, vehicle plans, compensation, grants, fees, and overall strategic plans. Staying proactive through planning allows us to look ahead with vision and be prepared for various scenarios while keeping our long-range goals progressing. Recently, the County received confirmation of its AA bond rating, affirming its strong policies and management.

I am enthusiastic about the customer service enhancements moving forward at the County.  We held an Open House for the renovated County Services Building and received several positive comments about the direct and efficient layout for customers.  Even though we had to work through some challenges to finalize the plan, I am pleased that the Treasurer and Drain Services will soon be available at the County Services Building.  I look forward to collaborating with these offices. 

The Well and Septic Grant Program is now underway in partnership with Community Action of Allegan County (CAAC).  This program will provide financial assistance to repair or replace well and septic systems to improve water quality and availability in Allegan County.  The program will utilize approximately $700K of the County’s American Rescue Plan Act funds.  For more information, please contact CAAC at (269) 673-5472.

Please consider attending the Rededication Ceremony of the Civil War Statue on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, please see Attachment C in the full digest for more information.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Sarro

Free Ride to the Polls

To eliminate transportation barriers for voters, the County offers subsidized (free) rides now through November 5 for riders participating in early voting, dropping off ballots at drop boxes, and voting in person on Election Day. This service is available for residents living in Allegan County. To set up a ride, call the scheduling office at (269) 673-4229 by noon the day before travel is needed to arrange transportation; no ID is required. When calling, please provide travel details, including the polling location (drop-off/destination) and drop and pickup times. Trips to polling locations will be co-mingled with other scheduled trips. Please allow a half-hour pick-up window for both pick-up and return trips. For a list of early voting locations, ballot drop boxes, and polling sites, visit Michigan.gov/vote.  For more information, please contact Whitney Ehresman, Transportation Director, at wehresman@allegancounty.org or (269) 686-4529.

Animal Shelter Seizure

On October 1, Animal Control Officers brought in an emaciated dog, one of five on the loose from the same location. A deputy had been investigating this house for several months. After documenting the dog's medical status with pictures, the deputy sought a warrant to seize the remaining dogs in the home. On October 3, a team went to the house to obtain the remaining 13 dogs from the home.

The 14 dogs from the seizure, 4 surrenders resulting from death, and 3 strays, all on the same day, were taxing on the facility and staff.  There was an immediate need for volunteers and consumable items, such as towels, blankets, leashes, harnesses, treats, and temporary kennels.  After sharing these needs on social media, the community stepped in and provided many donations.  The County received over $4,000 in donations, new and used items ranging from dog kennels, towels, blankets, leashes, harnesses, assorted food and treats, and more. In the first initial days of intake, partners at Wishbone provided 12 additional volunteers for 20 on Saturday to help clean and exercise animals for 160 hours over 4 days.  Six new foster homes opened up their homes to create more space and reduce stress. There are 18 dogs from 3 court holds now receiving food, medical treatment, and improved quality of life. For more information, please contact Stephanie Keuning, Animal Shelter Supervisor, at skeuning@allegancounty.org.

Broadband Project

123Net has 1021 Active customers and 228 customer installations pending. Zone status is as follows:

• Zones 5, 9 and 10 are complete
• Zone 11 - conduit and fiber are in, 113 of 541 addresses are tested and released for ordering.
• Zone 1 - conduit 77% complete; fiber 23% complete. Cabinet has power.
• Zone 7 - conduit 5%

See big picture metrics, zone targets, and % complete, along with a zone map and updates from other providers building fiber contained in the full digest (Attachment A). For more information, please contact (269) 673-0588, broadband@allegancounty.org.

For more news, please view the complete Allegan County Administrator's Digest.