AUDIO: Kalamazoo County officials concerned about possible funding cuts

KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo County plans to contract with a lobbying firm to look after their interests in Lansing.

County officials have been talking about it for some time.

Now more than ever, they are frankly worried that they could wind up on the wrong end of the Trump budget cuts, not only money that comes directly from Washington, but funding channeled through Lansing.

Of the county’s $350 million dollar budget this year, 22% is federal funding and 12% is state funding. That’s $118 million between the two revenue sources.

Administrator Kevin Catlin says they hope to be ready, should any cuts be imposed.

Right now about all they can do is hope for the best but plan, just in case.

Here’s board chair Jen Strebs.

Hiring a lobbying firm would be another part of that effort. County commissioners are scheduled to approve a $60,000 contract with McAlvey Merchants Associates for lobbying services this week.