Ottawa County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ottawa County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sheriff's Office Staffing
A $49,560 federal grant will buy a 3-D laser scanner that speeds up and improves accuracy at fatal crash and major crime scenes.
Flock AI surveillance cameras
Residents and several commissioners want the county to end or restrict its Flock camera contracts, citing Fourth Amendment concerns. The board refused to even add a discussion to the agenda, and attempts to pull the Flock payment or debate policy were cut off or defeated.
PA 233 loss of local siting control
PA 233 stripped local zoning control over large renewable energy projects, sending them to the MPSC. Commissioners discussed legislative fixes, a possible county policy on future projects, and how other counties are responding.
Infrastructure and Water Issues
Water Resources Commissioner Joe Bush must review the project under Michigan drain code, and RWE has submitted nothing yet. Bush warned the 1,900-acre site sits on old drains with limited capacity, raising flooding and soil erosion risks for neighbors.