WEST OLIVE, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jan. 25, 2023) – The Ottawa County Administration Building was filled with people on Tuesday night.
However, most of those attending or those reporting were not greatly interested in the items of business that the county board addressed at its biweekly session. They wanted to vent their feelings about the actions the relatively-new panel undertook three weeks ago when it dismissed the county administrator, abolished the department of diversity, equality and inclusion, changed the county motto, and retained a Lansing law firm, all with an suddenness that has sparked an investigation into whether the board had violated Michigan’s Open Meetings Act.
While not directly addressing the remarks from over 60 persons who strode up to the podium for public comment during the two and a half hour meeting, Board Vice Chair and Ottawa Impact co-founder Sylvia Rhodea spoke for her new colleagues in expressing appreciation for county staff during this first month in office.
What the board did approve was a park services agreement with Port Sheldon Township, a renewal of the interlocal prosecution agreement with Allegan County, some staffing adjustments, and a regional hazard mitigation plan with Kent County and Grand Rapids.
The next meeting is on February 16th.