Page 30 - Scene Magazine 46-03 March 2021
P. 30

  CalCo Admin Update
BY KELLI SCOTT
Calhoun County Administrator/Controller
     Board of Commissioners held an ori- entation session to hear about updates from County Administration on key upcoming projects within HR, finance, administrative services, communica- tions and the road department. Our corporation counsel Jim Dyer also facil- itated a discussion about key provisions of Michigan’s Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act. Board orientation sessions are typically held at the beginning of each two-year commis- sioners’ term, and they’re valuable even when none of our commissioners are new to the Board. The goal is to ensure our governance and administrative plans are aligned toward success in serving our taxpayers.
Just a few exciting initiatives shared with our commissioners include the monumental task of mass COVID-19 vaccination by the Public Health Department, near completion of the Emmett Township Local Road Improve- ment Program by the road department, and a second round of up to $500,000
The phased reopening of the courts is guided by directives established by the Michigan Supreme Court, and while the Calhoun County Courts have been fully functional otherwise, since March 2020 there have been no jury trials. As our COVID-19 infection rates decline to acceptable rates, court administrators and the judges are now hopeful that jury trials will resume, with public health modifications, soon. In the meantime, the public is still able to conduct neces- sary court business, including electronic filings, hearings, and arraignments, mainly taking place virtually on Zoom and streamed to You Tube.
in strategic projects funding from our Senior Services Office.
are especially thankful for our hospital partners, who have helped to continue toward this year’s goal of vaccinating at least 70% of Calhoun County adults.
We continue working on pandemic response efforts with the other govern- ments in Calhoun County, the Public
 30 SCENE 4503 I HEALTH ISSUE
While meeting virtually continues during the on- going pandemic, there’s a lot going on throughout Calhoun County Government. In February, our
Reopening Calhoun County
Health Department, and a number of community organizations. I am continu- ally impressed with how our county has come together to ensure we’re all on the same page, and whatever problems arise they are tackled effectively. Mass vacci- nation clinics are happening every week with various prioritized groups, identi- fied by the state. We’ve heard frequent praise about the efficiency and great service of county staff and volunteers, especially from the seniors who have participated in the clinics. Our Public Health Department is doing an excellent job, in my opinion, despite the limited supply of the vaccine. We look forward to and expect some great strides toward reducing wait lists and increasing the number of Calhoun County residents vaccinated as we receive higher levels of doses starting in March. And we
Information about vaccination efforts in Calhoun can be found at calhouncoun- tymi.gov/covidvaccine.
The pandemic has shone a light on certain problems that I am passionate about helping to address in the upcom- ing year. Conversations have begun by a Digital Equity Coalition within Calhoun County about what is necessary to make broadband internet available for all residents, regardless of how rural. This huge project to ensure adequate internet access is critical for the Calhoun County workforce, our students, those accessing healthcare needs, and seniors who are trying to keep isolation at bay. I look forward to exploring how the County can work with these partners on a study that will detail the magnitude of the internet access gaps and then identify how to close them as soon as possible. Speaking of the challenge of internet access, we’ve experienced this chal- lenge within our county workforce as employees in nearly every department are working from home to some degree. Our IT Department has been amazing in providing solutions to ensure we’re able to perform county business from home, as necessary. Even court hearings.
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Our website is the best place to find information about what’s going on in Calhoun County government opera- tions, which will continue to evolve as we emerge from pandemic restrictions. Visit calhouncountymi.gov for informa- tion about every department and to sign up for press releases and news from the county.
   









































































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