Ottawa County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Ottawa County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Idema Explorers Trail Segments
The board was scheduled to approve state funding and an easement for the Bass River and Allendale segments of the regional trail, adding $248,126 in county matching money to a $1.28 million project.
Medical Examiner Fee Increase
A proposed increase to the cremation permit fee from $50 to $70, effective November 1, 2026.
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.
Silver Maple Solar Project Intervention
The county is intervening in the MPSC case over RWE's Silver Maple Solar project in Zeeland Township, securing a seat at the table before the November 12 deadline. The board reserved final say on the county's positions and any settlement to itself, and will spend up to $50,000 in developer-provided intervener funds.
Housing Advisory Board formation and appointments
The housing advisory board wants a second housing advocate seat, ideally filled by Erin Campe. Commissioners agreed to route the bylaw change through Planning and Policy and open appointments through the normal process rather than appoint directly.
Farmland Preservation Conservation Easements
The county bought development rights on four farms totaling about 228 acres in Jamestown, Chester and Polkton Townships, keeping that land agricultural permanently.
County Facility Rental Fees
Proposed room rental rates would have jumped as much as sixfold; commissioners halved the increases, balancing cost recovery for custodial work against nonprofit and community access.
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.
Airport safety and glare concerns at the air park
Residents near a small air park on the project's west end asked whether solar panel glare could threaten takeoffs, landings, and the aviation businesses and flight school operating there.
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.