Genesee County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Genesee County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Community Services Block Grant funding
Two federal block grants totaling up to roughly $1.9 million would fund community services across the county for 2026–2027.
Uncompensated hospital care payment denial
The county pays area hospitals up to $1.85 million a year for care provided to uninsured patients. The committee sent it forward with two commissioners voting no — a rare split on a health funding item.
2030 Census preparation
The county is on the official census timeline (address count listing is underway), but Commissioner Shumaker is pushing urgency, noting states lost serious federal funding from undercounts. A resolution assigning responsibility — likely planning staff under Government Ops — is due in November, plus a convening of municipalities.
Senior services funding and task force recommendations
A nonprofit leader told commissioners the senior millage-funded guardianship, transportation and hearing/vision programs served hundreds of seniors last year, including 1,314 medical rides.
Old administration building disposal
The county is moving forward on a $4.77 million contract to tear down the old Administration Building in downtown Flint. It's a major capital project that clears the way for future use of the site.
Five-year budget pressure points
The CFO explained that using savings for ongoing operations — instead of one-time costs — raises red flags with bond rating agencies and could raise borrowing costs for a future jail or courts bond. The county sits at about 18% fund balance versus a 16.67% recommended target.
County FY2025 audit and long-term fiscal health
Auditors gave a clean, no-findings audit, but flagged a $314 million retiree health care liability that's only 4.5% funded — with required payments climbing toward $24 million a year by 2038 — plus two funds still on a state deficit elimination plan.
Arts & Culture Millage renewal on August ballot
The millage generates about $12 million a year for the Flint Cultural Center institutions. A 6-3 substitute vote reroutes the money through the county (rather than the foundation) starting in 2028 and lets commissioners fund other organizations — outcounty commissioners said their communities get little back.
Employee health premium increases and coalition access
County employees face an 8.9% premium hike — family buy-up plans nearing $240 per paycheck — and the Healthcare Coalition angrily testified that its customary early review of rates was cut to days. Commissioners pressed HR and Plante Moran on transparency and cost drivers.
Retiree prescription drug coverage change
Consultants say switching legacy retirees from Express Scripts to SmithRx could save ~$360,000 a year and make pricing transparent, but mail-order users must switch pharmacies. The contract deadline is tight — a special workshop was set for next Wednesday.
Active health care fund deficit
The county's employee health fund ended FY25 $2.7 million short because of higher utilization, expensive brand-name drugs, and fewer rebates. A five-year deficit-elimination plan goes to the state — the CFO prefers a one-time fix using this year's surplus.