Van Buren County Board Meeting Recap: 5-Year Parks Plan, $500k Grant Application, and Support for At-Risk Youth

January 28, 2026

At the regular meeting on January 27, 2026, the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners moved forward on several significant initiatives ranging from outdoor recreation planning to public health safety nets. Here is a breakdown of what was approved and why it matters to residents.

1. A New Roadmap for Recreation

The Board officially adopted the Community Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Plan: 2026–2030.

• The Details: This five-year master plan serves as a policy guide for managing county parks and trails. It was developed with public input, including a survey where residents expressed a strong desire for more walking trails, water access, and nature-based activities.
• Why It Matters: Adopting this plan is a requirement for the County to remain eligible for funding from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Without it, the County cannot apply for major grants to improve facilities or acquire new parkland.

2. Pursuit of $500,000 for Redevelopment

The Board authorized the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to apply for a $500,000 grant from the EPA.

• The Details: If awarded, this “Community-Wide Brownfield Assessment Grant” will cover the costs of environmental investigations at vacant or underutilized properties where contamination is suspected.
• Why It Matters: Developers often avoid “brownfield” sites because environmental assessments are expensive. By covering these costs, the County reduces the financial risk for developers, encouraging them to turn blighted properties into new housing or commercial businesses.

3. Combating the Opioid Crisis in Jail

The Sheriff’s Office received approval to accept a $25,000 grant for the Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Program.

• The Details: These funds will purchase medications like Methadone and Suboxone for inmates who have valid prescriptions and are battling substance use disorders.
• Why It Matters: Inmates with opioid disorders face high medical risks during incarceration, including dangerous withdrawal symptoms. This grant ensures continuity of care at no cost to the local taxpayer, as the grant has no matching requirement.

4. Investing in At-Risk Youth

The Board approved several contracts supporting the Family Division of the Circuit Court to assist vulnerable children and families.

• CASA Support: A renewed $80,000 contract with Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center will support the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, providing trained volunteers to speak for abused and neglected children in court.
• Educational Advocacy: A $10,000 contract with Student Advocacy Michigan will provide advocates to help court-involved youth and their parents navigate the school system, specifically focusing on Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) to keep kids in school and out of detention.
• Mental Health Services: The Board approved contracts for “wraparound services,” including the “New Outlook” program (260,000), which provide intensive in-home therapy to stabilize families in crisis.

5. Recognizing Leadership

The meeting also took a moment to honor a local leader. The Board issued a proclamation for Rodney Dragicevich, who has served on the Economic Development Corporation since 1983. During his 40+ years of service, he helped bring major businesses to the area (such as the retailer that occupied the current Family Fare location) and managed critical loan funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. New Appointments

The Board confirmed two key appointments requiring high-level expertise:

• Dr. Anna Tart, MD was appointed as a Deputy Medical Examiner.
• Anne Wendling, the Chief Nursing Officer for Bronson LakeView and South Haven Hospitals, was appointed to the Van Buren/Cass Community Health Department Board.

In short: The Board’s actions this week focused on long-term readiness and near-term protection, keeping the County eligible for park funding, positioning communities to redevelop vacant properties, addressing opioid risks in the jail, strengthening support systems for vulnerable youth, and ensuring experienced leadership in public health and economic development. Together, these decisions reflect a practical emphasis on safety, opportunity, and stewardship of public resources, with a clear throughline: reducing risk today while building capacity for the years ahead.