KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. — The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a budget for the 2021 calendar year.
The $109.2 million budget ensures the county will be able to continue providing essential services without any program cuts or layoffs, a news release said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted county budgets across the state, and Kalamazoo County is no exception,” Kalamazoo County Administrator Tracie Moored said. “The 2021 budget ensures we can continue providing the essential services Kalamazoo County residents have come to rely on an expect. It also allows the continuation of important projects, such as the county’s Justice Facility construction.”
New programs in the budget include $125,000 to fund a diversity, equity and inclusion position, as well as $100,000 to support the employment of a mental health worker in the county jail.
$34,500 will go toward an eviction diversion program.
“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on our budget, it was critical to ensure we spent every penny wisely and to maximize the benefit to Kalamazoo County residents,” Board Chair Tracy Hall said. “And I think this budget accomplishes that.”
