Macomb County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Macomb County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Veterans Services Advertising Contract
The $116,640 Play by Play sports media proposal for Veterans Services was pulled from the agenda at the department's own request, so it will come back another day.
Community Corrections fund deficit
A $277,000 PCE Systems contract will build electronic forms and automatic referrals linking jail intake, Community Mental Health and Community Corrections data — aimed at fewer duplicate records and smoother handoffs.
CDBG Grants for Local Communities
About $1.59 million in federal CDBG dollars will fund ADA ramps, sewer lining, a playground, fire equipment, demolition and senior programs in Richmond, Mount Clemens, Macomb Township, Harrison Township, Eastpointe and New Baltimore.
ARPA Drainage Project Funding Shift
A $1.9 million shuffle among four drainage projects keeps the county from losing any of its $40 million in federal ARPA money before the Dec. 31 spending deadline.
Midterm Election Results
Macomb County's midterm results are in — unofficial for now — and they'll shape who runs county government for the next few years. That means the winners will help set budgets, services, and local policy priorities. If you live in Macomb County, this is the crew making decisions that touch your daily life.
Parks fund shortfall and Freedom Hill upkeep
The parks fund lost its catering tenant at Freedom Hill, and the county is requesting a $150,000 general fund transfer for 2027. Commissioners also pressed for long-promised repairs to the aging maintenance garage at the site.
Macomb Orchard Trail Master Plan
The trails fund needs a $200,000 general fund transfer next year, with roughly another $30,000 expected as a future budget amendment, because bridge-program dollars are restricted and can't pay for trail upkeep. Commissioners also vented about vandalism and overflowing trash cans along the trail.
Planning and Economic Development budget
Planning & Economic Development landed a $500,000 EPA brownfield grant and is pushing business attraction around the new Selfridge fighter jets — but state MEDC support for its strategy has fallen to zero, leaving the county competing with other states for jobs.
Elections costs and state technology mandates
Multiple residents alleged vote-history manipulation, ballot-image FOIA problems and compromised data from the 2021 forensic audit, urging audits and record preservation.
Animal Control Budget Review
The committee reviewed the proposed Animal Control budget with Chief Animal Control Officer Jeff Randazzo. It covers shelter and animal welfare operations county residents rely on.
Delinquent tax foreclosure collections
The Treasurer's office will spend $156,434 on targeted ads — mostly gas-station TV and online — to warn at-risk homeowners before foreclosure, run through a consolidated no-bid contract.
First new Board of Commissioners staff in ten years?
The Board's own office wants its part-time office assistant made full-time for about $31,000 net, citing a 70% workload jump since 2021. Multiple commissioners voiced support, with some arguing the ask is too modest.
FOIA workload explosion at Corporation Counsel
Corporation Counsel has fielded 2,000 FOIA requests this year and expects 3,000 by year's end — up from 500 five years ago — and says it may eventually need another attorney just to handle records requests.
Support for Macomb County nonprofits
The proposed 2027 budget raises Care House funding from $25,000 to $125,000 and Turning Point from $100,000 to $200,000 — a combined $200,000 more for domestic violence and child advocacy services.
County Credit Rating Upgrade to AAA
Moody's upgraded Macomb County from AA+ to AAA, the highest possible rating, meaning the county can borrow money more cheaply for big projects like buildings and infrastructure.