Administrator briefs board on opioid funds, ADA website deadline and other county updates

County Administrator Eric Zuzga provided a multi-topic update at the March 10 meeting.

Zuzga said opioid settlement funds will be presented for consideration at an upcoming meeting and that the county's annual audit is underway. He warned the board that planning and zoning scams are occurring in the cities of Coldwater and Marshall and clarified that county planning and zoning staff contact residents directly regarding fee collection. He noted a change in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act affecting public-entity websites and said the county must meet the compliance deadline for new postings on April 24; staff will coordinate to bring the website into compliance.

Zuzga reported that an April 15 appeal hearing is scheduled in a lawsuit involving Foster Swift and the Michigan Public Service Commission relating to Michigan Public Act 233 of 2023, and that new zoning preemption bills have been introduced in the state House. He also provided implementation timelines for new financial software (go-live Aug. 31) and Payroll/Human Resources software (end of July or early August). Zuzga mentioned Kalamazoo recycling hours and that the Legislature has introduced a bill that would allow for statewide septic inspections. Finally, he said a Thornapple Lake resident has requested sewer service and that meetings with appropriate entities will be scheduled to explore the request.

No formal board action on these items was recorded in the minutes; they were presented for information and future consideration.