Macomb County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Macomb County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Community Food Bank grant funding
An $84,549 increase to the federal TEFAP program would boost emergency food distribution through Macomb Community Action — more food for pantries and families in need.
Sheriff's Road Patrol Staffing Increase
The Sheriff is 19 deputies short with 13 recruits graduating in December, plus six corrections and three dispatcher vacancies. The crime suppression unit (one sergeant, two deputies) made it into the general fund budget after four years of requests, but a Macomb Auto Theft Squad lieutenant position did not.
Opioid settlement funds to add mental health therapists
Opioid settlement money will pay for two more MCCMH therapists at the intake center — part of a push to connect people in the justice system with treatment.
Courtroom space shortage
Chief Judge Biernat says the courts are out of room — one judge is sharing a conference room with another judge, and pending legislation could add three new circuit judges the county has no space for. A space needs assessment backs him up.
Juvenile Justice Center facility upgrades
A $900,930 video surveillance system for the Juvenile Justice Center was postponed to September while the board sorts out its capital funding process.
Federal Crime Victim Compensation Access
A Kent County resident told the committee that crime victims and survivors struggle to access federal compensation funds, and urged the county to find middle ground between fraud concerns and victims' needs amid a dispute over the county executive's signing of a federal grant certificate.
Missing sheriff's deputy at prosecutor's child support unit
The prosecutor's third-floor cooperative reimbursement unit — open to the public, with DNA testing that brings in children — hasn't had an armed deputy since COVID. There was a fight there this year. The office wants the position restored, with 66% grant-funded.
Obsolete courtroom recording equipment
The courts' 15-year-old electronic recording system is failing mid-trial — one judge had to move her trial to another courtroom. A vendor was chosen in August 2026, but the pilot was shelved over funding; the judge says a clean trial record is legally essential.
Firearm safe storage and youth gun violence
Another child was shot with an unsecured gun the same day as the meeting. Commissioner Howard urged residents to pick up free gun locks from any police department — no questions asked — or call him directly for one.
Resident complaint about county domestic violence resources
A domestic violence survivor told the committee that county-funded Care House and Turning Point services failed her family, said she was denied interpreter services, and asked the board to revisit her August 2026 claim.
Public Defender's Office Indigent Defense Funding
The county Public Defender's Office will keep managing attorney appointments and invoices in Shelby Township District Court for another year under an extended interlocal agreement.
Aging county building systems
The Juvenile Justice Center's 23-year-old surveillance system, 2002-era chillers and boilers, and 1990s warehouse HVAC units all need replacement — but the money questions killed two of the three requests.
Macomb County Jail security electronics replacement
An electrical survey found a wiring fault causing problems throughout the jail tower. A $162,300 fix by Motor City Electric is on the way ahead of the CIAC project.
Countywide Avigilon card-access system expansion
The committees recommended $1.33 million in spending to finish replacing outdated security systems: badge access for the Sheriff's Office and cameras at the Juvenile Justice Center, where about 20 cameras — including entrances — are down on a 22-year-old system. Staff say the camera failures are a real safety concern at a 24-hour facility.
Community Mental Health Board appointments
A crowded field of 17 applicants vied for four CMH board seats; Commissioner Wallace was among those reappointed, and Lori Phillips praised the board's support of mental health services.
Prosecutor Legal Services Veto Override
The board overrode County Executive Hackel's veto and funded outside legal services for the Prosecutor's Office, 12-0 after closed session.
Kratom ('gas station heroin') sales to minors
Commissioner Howard warned that Kratom — addictive and sold at dozens of gas stations countywide — is surging again, and said patchwork municipal bans aren't enough. He's calling for a countywide solution to keep it away from kids.
Additional Sheriff's Deputy and Vehicle for Harrison Township
Harrison Township is paying for one extra sheriff's deputy and vehicle through the end of 2027, boosting patrol coverage there. The township reimburses the county, so county general taxpayers aren't footing the bill.