KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Tuesday, the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the 2021 budget.
Commissioners say the new $109.2 million budget will ensure Kalamazoo County can continue providing services to residents while avoiding any program cuts or layoffs.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted county budgets across the state, and Kalamazoo County is no exception,” Kalamazoo County Administrator Tracie Moored said in a statement. “The 2021 budget ensures we can continue providing the essential services Kalamazoo County residents have come to rely on and expect. It also allows the continuation of important projects, such as the county’s the Justice Facility construction.”
New programs in the budget plan include:
- $125,000 to fund a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion position.
- $100,000 to support the employment of a Mental Health Worker assigned to the Kalamazoo County Jail. In the past, these services were provided by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo, but due to a loss of funding in 2020, it is necessary to find new funding to support this position.
- $34,500 to support an Eviction Diversion Program to ensure more Kalamazoo County residents can stay in their homes.
“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on our budget, it was critical to ensure we spent every penny wisely and to maximize the benefit to Kalamazoo County residents. And I think this budget accomplishes that,” Kalamazoo County Board Chair Tracy Hall said. “No one should have to worry about losing their home during a global health pandemic, and the funding for our Eviction Diversion Program will help keep more Kalamazoo County families in their homes.”
Vice Chair Michael Seals also commented on some of the new provisions in the budget, specifically the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion position.
“I’m proud of the inclusive culture we have embraced within Kalamazoo County government, and earmarking funding for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion position is the next step to expand on our continued commitment” Seals said. “This new position will help us improve how we address diversity and inclusion in the workplace and make Kalamazoo County government an even better place to work.”
Overall, Commissioners expressed their gratitude at being able to come together and work out a budget under the current pandemic circumstances.
“We didn’t change much, and I think what we did do was have a collaborative conversation, and I just want to say thank you to all my colleagues for your patience and grace,” Commissioner Meredith Place said during the virtual meeting. “This is a labor of love, this is the most important thing that we do, and I am so proud to be part of this budget with all of you.”
Some said that the process behind this budget was much smoother than the previous year, although others said it was one of the most difficult.
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