Genesee County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Genesee County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Community Corrections grant funding
The county was considering a $621,217 Michigan Department of Corrections grant to fund community corrections programs and services for fiscal year 2027. These programs typically support alternatives to jail and reentry services.
Former McDonald Dairy Site sale
Two Flint residents and Commissioner Loyd raised opposition to a recycling center on the former McDonald Dairy site near the cultural center, an elementary school and the Flint River. Loyd asked staff to plan a public forum before the board decides.
Property tax foreclosure outreach and HOPE exemption
Housing is a yellow priority with little progress. Commissioner Shumaker urged rehabbing existing homes instead of demolition; Brown said the land bank is changing leadership and needs a strategy.
Accommodations tax review
The committee reviewed the county's accommodations tax — the levy paid on hotel and motel stays. This was a review only; any changes would come back before the body later.
Michigan Tax Tribunal cases
Pending tax appeal cases were discussed — these can affect how much property tax revenue the county collects.
AJFO 2027 Biennial Conference sponsorship
The Sheriff's Office sought $30,000 in accommodations tax funds to be the Presenting Sponsor of the AJFO 2027 Biennial Conference. What the committee decided is not known because no minutes or transcript were provided.
Hiring of third-party labor counsel for alleged wrongdoing inquiry
Commissioners sparred at the end of the meeting over hiring an outside labor attorney to look into an alleged wrongdoing matter, with some members wanting the scope of the investigation defined first. The motion failed, so the county has not retained outside counsel on this issue.
Mt. Morris Township CDBG contract extension and fund transfer
The county is working out an agreement with Mt. Morris Township to extend a CDBG contract and shift federal grant money between eligible activities. The committee referred the resolution for more review rather than approving it, so nothing is finalized yet.
Deputy CFO pay increase
The county's second-in-command for finance gets a 10% raise, backdated to mid-September, for doing the vacant CFO's job on top of their own.
General Fund cost of District Court IT position
A grant meant to pay for an IT position fell through, so the committee was asked to cover half the cost — $55,049.67 — from the general fund. The committee split 4-4 and said no, leaving the position's future funding unresolved.
Janitorial Contract Cost Increase
The county's janitorial contract would rise to $819,000, adding $192,760 to the general fund next year. Two commissioners voted no, flagging the higher cost.
Search for new Chief Financial Officer
The county will pay a search firm, Hiring Solutions, to find a new CFO — a key hire for whoever runs the county's finances next.
DDA parking garage dispute
Flewelling and Loyd flagged ongoing problems with the DDA parking garage — the county keeps paying full freight despite unfulfilled promises — and an engineering review is being sought.
FY2027 county budget
A first look at next year's ~$129 million general fund budget shows spending down from this year, with 53% going to public safety. Final adoption is expected in August.
Clerk's office Friday hours mandate
In a late-night power test, the board voted 5-4 to require the Clerk/Register of Deeds to open Monday-Friday — hours after telling the sheriff how to handle federal data requests. Critics called it hypocrisy; supporters cited 40-60 residents turned away each Friday.