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.
County Seal Ordinance
A draft ordinance would set official standards for who can use the county seal and how — aimed at preventing misuse of the county's official emblem. Discussion only at this stage.
Next Generation 911 Implementation
The Sheriff's Dispatch Office needs an extra $165,100 of contract authority with Mission Critical Partners to finish its transition to the new Axon 911 phone system. Officials stressed it's a spending ceiling, not a commitment to spend it all.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Traveling petting zoo animal welfare
A resident alleged a petting zoo at Freedom Hill's Harvest Fest violated Michigan's anti-cruelty statute and USDA licensing rules, leaving animals without shelter, and urged the county to investigate since the venue is overseen by the county.
MSHDA Emergency Solutions Grant funding for homeless services
The board added state and federal dollars for homeless and housing providers, senior transportation services, and home weatherization help — money that flows to struggling households in Macomb County.
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.