Committee approves $1.38 million for KCCA, DOE weatherization allocation to support at least 72 homes

The Finance and Infrastructure Committee recommended appropriating $1,376,647 to the Kent County Community Action (KCCA) fund for FY2026 operations and accepted a DOE weatherization assistance allocation of $1,246,647 beginning July 1, 2026, contingent on execution of the grant agreement.

A presenter for KCCA told the committee the DOE allocation represents a formula grant distributed by the state bureau and that KCCA expects to complete 72 dwelling units with the DOE funding alone. "We normally would hit about 40 to 48 to 50 units with that funding," the presenter said, adding that combining the DOE award with other funds (including current infrastructure grants) could push production to "100 plus units." The materials also note KCCA will receive $130,000 from the City of Grand Rapids under a municipal partnership agreement dated Oct. 1, 2017, to support administrative and program activities.

Commissioners asked how city allocation dollars are used; the presenter said these city funds function as gap funding for programs such as water assistance and that the agency charges administrative time to those projects when services are provided to city residents. The committee approved the recommendation on a voice vote after brief discussion.

The motion was moved and supported in committee and will move to the Board of Commissioners for final appropriation action as required by county fiscal policy.