Barry County Commissioners delay vote regarding defunding their own health department

HASTINGS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Commissioners in Barry County delayed a vote on a resolution calling to withhold funding from its own health department. They had threatened the move if a mask mandate is imposed.

They decided to delay to seek more legal guidance from experts on the issue. Commissioners expect to get feedback in time for their October 26 meeting, at which time a vote may happen.

The Barry-Eaton County Health Department rescinded its mask policy on September 30. 33 students have contracted COVID-19 at four schools in Barry County since the beginning of the school year.