Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Report

Highlights from the Thursday, December 4, 2025, Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Meeting

The meeting opened with two special presentations. First, the Calhoun County Conservation District’s Annual Report, presented by Executive Director Ryan Reincke. The report reviewed the Conservation Needs Assessment, an update on the Battle Creek River Watershed Management Plan, the Michigan Hunter’s Access Program, and other agricultural support programs, and community engagement initiatives that strengthen local environmental sustainability.

The Board then issued a proclamation recognizing the 2025 Holiday Season National Enforcement Mobilization Campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” which runs December 12, 2025, through January 1, 2026. The proclamation emphasizes the county’s commitment to roadway safety and supports coordinated enforcement and education efforts during the busiest travel season of the year.

On the Consent Agenda, Commissioners approved the following items:

Scheduling of the 2026 Board of Commissioners Organizational Session for Jan.15, 2026
Reappointments to the Calhoun County Board of Public Health
CCRD Contract: B Drive North Safety Grant Tree Removal
CCRD Contract: 6 Mile Road Safety Grant Tree Removals
Notice of Intent to Create a Countywide Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)

In New Business, Commissioners approved several items that advance county services, strengthen community partnerships, and finalize key organizational planning for 2026. The Board adopted the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget and Appropriations, establishing the financial framework that will guide county operations in the year ahead. Commissioners also approved the 2026 Agreement for MSU Extension Services, ensuring continued access to programs that support local agriculture, youth development, nutrition education, and community wellbeing.

Additionally, the Board authorized the County’s pledge of Full Faith and Credit for the Goguac Lake Level Special Assessment Notes, supporting the Water Resources Commissioner’s long-term lake level management efforts that benefit residents and property owners. Commissioners also approved the 2026–2028 collective bargaining agreement with the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM), reinforcing the county’s commitment to its Sheriff’s Office personnel.

To view the agenda or meeting recording, visit the Agendas page of the website.

A Message from Calhoun County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott

I’m pleased to report that the Board of Commissioners has adopted balanced budgets for 2026 across all required budgetary funds.

The 2026 General Fund Budget includes $63.3 million in revenues and $62.8 million in expenditures, providing a planned contribution of $523,000 to the fund balance.

There are several key revenue trends shaping the FY26 budget. Property values are expected to rise, consistent with inflationary growth, while marijuana excise tax revenue is projected to contribute $2 million to the General Fund.

Significant developments within the Road Department were also noted. Thanks to the State’s new road funding package, the department will receive a 36% increase in Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF) revenue, marking the beginning of a substantial and sustained increase in resources to support road preservation, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements in the years ahead.

The 2026 budget was developed through a collaborative process involving the Board of Commissioners, departments, elected officials, court leaders, and employees. I’d like to thank all involved for their hard work and cooperation to produce a budget that balances fiscal responsibility with the County’s mission to deliver high-quality services to residents.

The Calhoun County Parks and Recreation Commission met on December 4 to reappoint Gregg Strand and approve the 2026 meeting calendar. Commissioners also reviewed a funding request related to the Tekonsha millage and received department updates on DNR Trust Fund grants, Emmett Township park projects, and preparations for the 2025–2026 millage cycle.

Holiday Recycling & Cleanup Reminders

As residents prepare for the holiday season, the Calhoun County Recycling Program offers several helpful tips to make end-of-year celebrations more sustainable. When ordering gifts, residents are encouraged to break down shipping boxes before bringing them to the recycling center. Placing flattened boxes inside a larger box can help streamline drop-off.

For those cooking and baking this season, don’t forget that metal cans, glass bottles and jars, and aluminum pie pans or baking dishes are all recyclable. The Marshall Recycling Center will be open Tuesdays only during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s; residents may also request passes to use the C&C Landfill recycling center as needed.

Cleanup after the holidays offers additional opportunities to properly recycle. Most holiday cards can be recycled, but those made with glitter, foil, ribbon, or photographs should be placed in the trash. Wrapping paper and tissue paper without glitter or metallic foil are recyclable as well. All gift packaging should be free of plastic and Styrofoam before being placed in a larger box for easier unloading; the center also accepts #6 polystyrene.

If residents have broken holiday lights, they are encouraged to hold onto them. We will be offering electronics collection events in the coming months!

Questions or comments? Please contact our Communications Director. If you were forwarded this email, sign up to receive future emails.