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.
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.
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.
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.