Board approves routine financial resolutions and tax-deferment policy for qualifying taxpayers

During the action-items portion of the organizational meeting, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners approved a series of routine financial resolutions. The resolutions authorize the board chair and clerk to sign documents enabling the county treasurer to deposit public funds in approved financial institutions and to invest surplus funds in compliance with the county investment policy.

Treasurer Cheryl explained the investment and deposit resolutions, noting they operate under Public Act 20 and the county's investment policy; she said the treasurer regularly reports investments to the administration and finance committee. The board adopted parallel resolutions to permit deposit and investment of drainage-district funds and road-commission funds, each passed by roll-call vote.

Separately, the board approved a resolution authorizing the treasurer to waive administration fees and interest for certain qualified persons who use the state's tax-credit process to pay property taxes (a local tax-deferment practice). Cheryl outlined how the deferment works in coordination with township/city deferment steps and suggested county communications (newsletter, podcast) ahead of summer tax bills to increase awareness. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate outreach with municipalities.