Genesee County, MI — On Wednesday evening, the Genesee County Board of Commissioners convened its regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Here’s a recap of some of the action:

Public Safety & Justice Services

• The Board approved several major public safety grants, including:
  • $9.45 million to support operations of the Genesee County Office of the Public Defender with funds from the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission.
  • $400,000 STOP Violence Grant (with $100,000 match) to reduce domestic violence and assault.
  • $407,096 for staffing in the Prosecutor’s Office Victim Advocacy Program.
  • $294,378 to support prosecution and law enforcement efforts related to sexual assault and domestic violence.
• Approved the creation of new positions in the Prosecutor’s Office to comply with recent Supreme Court rulings on life-without-parole cases.
• Renewed agreements with Easterseals and Youth Arts: Unlocked to provide youth and family support services within the justice system.

Government Operations & Policy

• Approved updates to the 2025 Equalization Report.
• Approved a countywide budget amendment for the 2025–26 fiscal year.
• Approved updated wage and benefit changes for co-elected officials and non-union employees to more closely align with recently negotiated union agreements.

Finance & Administration

• Accepted a $5 million state grant supporting development of the new State Park in Genesee County.
• Authorized the Parks & Recreation Commission to hire up to 450 seasonal positions for 2026.
• Accepted a $100,000 grant from the Rocket Community Fund to fund a Tax Foreclosure Outreach Specialist to promote the HOPE program.

Community & Human Services

• Approved the annual agreement to operate MSU Extension programs in Genesee County for 2026.
• Approved funding to support children and families impacted by incarceration through a partnership with Motherly Intercession.

Appointments

• Appointed Denise Smith-Allen, PhD to the Genesee County Road Commission for a partial term expiring on 12/31/27.
• Authorized advertising for open positions on:
  • Parks & Recreation Commission (4 positions)
  • Bishop Airport Authority (2 positions)
  • Opioid Settlement Steering Committee (11 positions)

Watch the entire meeting on the Genesee County YouTube Channel. Click here for board agendas and meeting minutes.