Genesee County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Genesee County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Paylocity data feed funding denial
A $9,696 general fund request for a Paylocity data feed failed on a 3-3 tie, meaning the county will not move forward with that expense as requested for the coming fiscal year.
General fund funding for public safety positions
Commissioners discussed the county's priorities and focus areas around public safety under Other Business. With three seats absent and no vote taken, this was a conversation about where the county fits in the public safety picture.
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.
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.
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.
Unspent CDBG funds for Genesee Township and Swartz Creek
Two towns get to redirect leftover community development block grant money to local needs.
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.
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.
State property tax reform threat
Legislation moving through Lansing could eliminate the 'uncapping' of taxable values when homes sell and expand personal property tax exemptions. Commissioner Shumaker pegged the loss at roughly $10 million a year — half of it hitting the general fund — with no clear replacement revenue in sight.