Genesee County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Genesee County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Millage funding and usage priorities
The committee dug into how county millage dollars are being used — a topic that affects what residents pay in property taxes and what services those dollars fund.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michigan Tax Tribunal cases
Pending tax appeal cases were discussed — these can affect how much property tax revenue the county collects.
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.
GIS data sharing and open data pricing
A resident's questions about how the county's $80/hour GIS processing fee works can't be answered through FOIA because no policy records exist. Commissioners asked that the GIS director still reach out to help.
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.