The budget counts a full reception of EVIP dollars, which the state offers as an incentive to municipalities who comply with three specific conditions: transparency, submitting a consolidation collaboration plan, and compliance with Public Act 152, which deals with health insurance.
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The contests that received the greatest candidate attendance and debate were 14th circuit court judge, county clerk and the county commission seat for district 6. Sheriff and prosecutor contests each had a pair of candidates in attendance.
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Muskegon County’s Board of Commissioners are set to apply for three state grants that will help make three county-owned parks more inclusive to those with disabilities or mobility challenges.
Read MoreThe new smart meters will look a lot like what is on buildings now, but will contain extra transmitter technology that will send hourly updates to Consumers Energy of power usage. Customers will be able to log on to a secure website to track energy usage almost in real time.
Read MoreWith the county’s recent budget crunch, solicitations for funding the patrol unit were publicly extended to keep it running. Three groups stepped forward: The Holton chapter of the American Legion, American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE), and the Indiana-based company Family Events, who operates Muskegon Bike Time and the Hot Rod Power Tour.
Read MoreEach committee has a different planning focus, and can help influence policy goals and recommendations of the county commission. Those appointed to the county’s 19 committees often bring strategic views or advocacy to the table. To ensure certain interests are represented, “slots” are given to different professions or public/private status.
Read MoreOne of two major hurdles for a $150,000 grant was recently cleared; if state legislature approval is achieved the money would be used for a fishing pier, canoe and kayak access and a highly-accessible playground and bathrooms.
Read More“Our employees have basically stepped up to the plate and taken some hits in terms of health contributions and retirement contributions,” said board chairman Ken Mahoney. “They have taken some sacrifices because they realize the county needs them at this point.”
Read MoreThe new MATS bus stops are currently posted every 2 to 4 blocks. In numerous high-traffic places there are no sidewalks including East Sherman Avenue, Hoyt Street and Apple Avenue. A resident who spoke at Thursday’s transportation committee meeting cited a lack of snow-shoveling ordinances in the Cities of Muskegon and Muskegon Heights as a barrier to bus access for the blind, those in wheelchairs and other mobility challenges. A lack of sidewalks in townships and villages is also barrier to accessing buses.
Read MoreBoth the county’s public works board and full board of commissioners approved terms of a lease agreement Tuesday with Muskegon Wind, LLC. This newly-formed company is a partnership of two companies — Scandia Wind Offshore and Gamesa Energy USA LCC, an American subsidiary of a Spanish company. This wind farm development will be strictly on land and will not include components in Lake Michigan as previously proposed in other areas including Oceana County. The maximum length of the lease could reach up to 60.5 years if its three terms take the maximum amount of time.
Read MoreThe system took a huge hit when one of its largest users, Sappi paper, shut down operations in the area several years ago.
Since then, the county has chosen not to make significant changes to the wastewater system’s rates, instead hoping that the county could attract new major private customers by keeping rates low. That gambit has not panned out, as the system’s flow has only decreased.
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