Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Report

Highlights from the Thursday, March 6, 2026, Calhoun County Board of Commissioners Meeting

This week’s meeting focused on public safety preparedness and continued investment in county infrastructure, particularly roadway materials, bridge replacements, and road work agreements.

On the Consent Agenda, Commissioners approved the Sheriff’s Office FY2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Agreement. This grant supports emergency planning, training, and coordination efforts to ensure Calhoun County remains prepared to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies.

In New Business, the Board approved multiple items brought forward by the Calhoun County Road Department (CCRD). Commissioners awarded contracts with Lakeland Asphalt Corporation and Michigan Paving and Materials Co. for HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt Pick-Up), ensuring materials are available for upcoming road maintenance and resurfacing projects. The Board also approved a contract with Soil Materials Engineers, Inc. (SME) for Environmental Services and Material Testing, supporting quality assurance and compliance for road construction projects.

Additionally, Commissioners approved a federal aid grant contract for bridge replacements on L Drive South and 25 ½ Mile Road. These projects will help maintain safe and reliable transportation routes for residents. The Board also approved a road work agreement to allow a private party to make and pay for 100% of the costs for improvements on 29 Mile Road, acknowledging impacts from increased truck traffic.

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

A Message from Calhoun County Administrator/Controller Kelli Scott

Calhoun County has once again received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. This recognition marks the 28th consecutive year the County has earned this distinction.

The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement Program to encourage state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles and prepare financial reports that demonstrate transparency, accountability, and full disclosure. The Certificate of Achievement is considered the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

This recognition reflects the diligence and professionalism of our Finance team in preparing a comprehensive and transparent financial report for the County. We are proud to continue meeting the high standards required by this nationally recognized program.

I’m also thankful to our four city managers for their participation in our annual State of the Community presentation, which we recorded at the Access Vision studio on February 27. This information will be shared in multiple formats soon, thanks to our Communications staff from the County and the City of Battle Creek. Viewers should enjoy our highlights of the successes within each community and countywide in 2025, as well as plans to watch for in 2026. Our collaborative efforts as local government leaders are truly what make the state of Calhoun County remain strong!

The Calhoun County Board of Health met on February 23, 2026. Staff updates included a reported increase in state funding for the syringe services program, Project Access, supporting expanded harm reduction efforts across the county.

The County Road Department hosted its annual meeting for Township Supervisors on Feb.24. At the meeting, Managing Director Kristine Parsons shared information about all construction and maintenance projects planned for 2026, noting that every local road improvement project submitted by townships this year was approved by the Board of Commissioners, allowing for more than 70 miles of local road improvements at a total investment of more than $6,000,000. The meeting also included an overview of the new State Road Funding package and how this 36% increase in funding for our Road Department will make a significant impact on our ability to improve the County’s road system, as well as increase efforts such as roadside mowing and equipment replacement.

At its March 5, 2026, meeting, the FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board conducted its annual organizational business, including the election of officers, designation of bank signatories, and approval of the 2026 meeting schedule. The Board also approved the 2026 timeline for distribution of FireKeepers net win revenues and renewed the administrative services agreement with Calhoun County. In addition, members authorized the engagement of the auditor for the Dec. 31, 2025 year-end audit.

Inside Calhoun County Podcast

Stay informed about the work happening across Calhoun County by tuning in to the Inside Calhoun County Podcast. Recent episodes dive into how the Water Resources Office manages 750 miles of drains and lake levels, what families should know about childhood vaccines with Medical Director Dr. William Nettleton, and the latest progress on expanding high-speed broadband access to more than 12,000 homes and businesses. Listen on your favorite podcast platform and discover how county programs and services impact daily life in our community.

Find all episodes at calhouncountymi.gov/podcast.

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