COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – By a 4-1 vote, Branch County Commissioners voted down a resolution confirming that Branch County is already a Constitutional County on Tuesday in front of a large audience at the Burnside Center. The meeting was moved there from the Branch County Courthouse in anticipation of the big gathering.
Commissioners decided to bring the resolution forward during their August 3 work session. Commissioner Randall Hazelbaker said 97 percent of those who contacted him wanted a no vote. Commissioner Tom Matthew voted no and said it was one of the hardest decisions he has made after receiving a lot of input from citizens.
Audience members expressed their feelings both in favor and against the proposed resolution during two comment periods as the meeting went on for over 90 minutes.
In another hot button item, Commissioners approved a request from Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility for a second $250,000 advance with repayment by May 1, 2024.
The money would be used to help get Maple Lawn through August as they have a three-payroll month.
In addition, Maple Lawn is potentially owed up to $1.4 million from the State of Michigan based on Medicaid Rate setting and Medicaid cost reports. Before the vote was taken, Commissioner Jon Houtz said the Maple Lawn board will now meet twice a month to check on finances. He added they may not need the $250,000 advance and that they should know more next week.
Matthew voted no on the advance as he has expressed his frustrations with how Maple Lawn is handling its finances. A Plante and Moran representative has been asked to attend the next work meeting on August 24 to answer questions.
Gee, I guess we are part of America and have been for ALMOST 200 YEARS NOW, so what is with the “Constitutional County” horse manure? I guess as long as our part of the state does not decide to secede or declare ourselves a kingdom, we should be OK. I think flying the flag and saying the Pledge at thr beginning of school/before a public gathering should do for now.