Macomb County, MI

10/11/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Focus Macomb - October 2024

Message from Mark

Hello and welcome to the fall edition of Focus Macomb. It's a great season in our community. The apple orchards and pumpkin patches are bustling, a Halloween spirit is in the air, and the changing color of the leaves creates a crisp and vibrant setting. As I like to say every year, it's a great time to 'Fall in Love with Macomb!" From our trails to our farms to our quaint downtowns, the county has so much to offer. So start planning your next visit or weekend outing with the family. There are only a few weeks to take it all in.

Now, this season also provides us a chance to recognize and honor those who have made a significant impact or achieved great things. For instance, we just hosted a celebration for 13 local centenarians - incredible individuals who have reached the age of 100. You can read more about the event via the story in this newsletter. And of course, if you know of someone who has reached this milestone, get in touch with our Office of Senior Servicesor fill out this form. We'd love to celebrate them.

In that vein, Veterans Day is approaching and we must all make sure to honor those who put duty and country before self. This doesn't have to be a grand gesture either. A simple, 'Thank you for your service,' goes a long way. So please, in this next month, take the time to recognize a veteran. And, if you have a veteran in your life, be sure to share that Macomb County Veterans Servicesis here to assist them with a variety of needs. We stand ready to serve those who served us.

Thank you and take care,

Mark

Macomb County Office of Senior Services awarded a $750,000 Department of Justice grant

The Macomb County Office of Senior Services, led by its director Sheila Cote, was awarded a $750,000 grant from the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women ("OVW") Training and Services Grant to End Abuse in Later Life. The award to Macomb County is one of 12 nationally and the only one in the state of Michigan.

"This grant will enable us to provide focused support and justice for older adults in Macomb County who have experienced violence and abuse," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "By increasing training for our frontline responders and service providers through the Macomb Elder Justice Alliance, we aim to eliminate the barriers older survivors face and ensure they have access to legal support, safety and most of all, justice."

Cote and her team identified a critical need in Macomb County to take on the growing issue of protecting the community's seniors, so the office created the Macomb Elder Justice Alliance. This task force was formed in 2023 and is made up of community organizations, banks, criminal and civil courts, law enforcement, investigative agencies and senior service organizations. The Elder Justice Alliance's mission is to organize and amplify efforts of agencies and individuals to end elder abuse, exploitation and neglect through education, collaboration and advocacy for victims and those at risk.

"These resources will connect Macomb County with national experts on elder abuse to train all parts of the criminal justice system," stated Cote. "It will be transformational for the community and provide support services to older adults who have been abused or exploited and place their needs at the center of our community's response. We are so grateful to our committed partners in law enforcement and community resources who are the major partners and will be integral to the training and development of policies that will help to transform the current response to elder abuse."

For more information on the Elder Justice Alliance contact Sheila Cote or visit Macomb County Elder Justice Alliance | Macomb County (macombgov.org)

Five minutes to help Macomb County improve access to healthcare

Where people live, work, or play has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of community members. Social determinants of health (SDOH) including economic stability, access to quality education, the neighborhood and environment an individual resides in, social and community factors including racism, and access to quality healthcare have a greater effect on individual health and well-being than genetic factors. The Macomb County Health Department and Healthy Macomb, a partnership of more than 25 community organizations working to improve the health and wellness of Macomb County residents, is seeking feedback from the community on their experiences with healthcare services. This five-minute survey collects anonymous feedback from community members on their barriers or challenges finding and getting quality primary care or behavioral health services. The access to healthcare surveyis open until the end of the year and translates on-demand into Spanish or Arabic. The responses and feedback provided in the survey will help MCHD and Healthy Macomb develop targeted strategies that focus on addressing barriers to quality healthcare across the county.

The access to healthcare survey is one strategy in the 2024-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) that addresses three priorities: behavioral health and substance use, chronic disease and healthy lifestyle, and built environment and social determinants. You can learn more about Healthy Macomb and the 2024-2028 CHIP at macombgov.org/CHA. Find the survey here.

Executive Hackel and state officials lead effort in passing critical auto-theft prevention

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel joined public safety officials and legislators from across the state of Michigan in an effort to pass critical legislation that would prevent high technology auto-thefts. House bills 5182 and 5193 are two of 37 other bipartisan bills that Governor Gretchen Whitmer passed this summer with a focus on public safety and/or infrastructure.

"Macomb County is committed to public safety so we worked diligently alongside state legislators to get these bills passed," said Executive Hackel. "Last year, our county recorded 172 auto theft cases processed through the Prosecutor's Office. With this new legislation, we intend to lower this number significantly."

According to the newly passed statutes, it is now illegal to possess, use or intend to use a computer or similar technology, also known as ProPAD Devices, to program a key code for automobile thefts.

"As technology continues to advance, so must our laws," said state Representative Denise Mentzer (D-Mt. Clemens). "We will continue to take action to protect Michiganders from vehicle theft and ensure thieves using this advanced technology are met with swift justice."

To review a full list of bills passed by Governor Whitmer this summer, visit the official state of Michigan website.

Macomb County honors new centenarians at annual celebration

On Oct. 3, Macomb County Senior Services hosted a heartwarming Centenarian Celebration, honoring 13 remarkable residents who have reached the milestone of 100 years of age or more. Held at Macomb County's Robert A. Verkuilen Building, the event was filled with joy, laughter and admiration for these individuals whose lives span more than a century of history, change, and community contribution, including those who have served our country in our armed forces.

"It's always an honor to celebrate our centenarians," said County Executive Mark Hackel. "They are living witnesses to history, with lives that have seen the world change in incredible ways. They are truly an inspiration to all of us in Macomb County. We are grateful to be part of such a meaningful celebration today."

The honorees were celebrated not only for their longevity but also for their lasting impact on their families, neighborhoods and the Macomb County community. Friends and family members gathered to hear the centenarians' stories, share in their memories, and express their deep appreciation for the wisdom and perspective these individuals have offered throughout their lives.

Among the honorees were individuals who lived through historical events like the Great Depression, served their communities in various capacities, and raised families that now span multiple generations. Each centenarian brings with them a unique story of resilience, love, and joy that has enriched Macomb County for generations.

The Macomb County Centenarian Celebration is an annual event, and the county looks forward to continuing this special tradition in the years to come. Individuals interested in being recognized can fill out this form. They will be contacted by the county with a formal invitation that will note the event's location. Questions about the program can be directed to the Macomb County Office of Senior Services at 586-469-5228 or at [email protected].

Macomb County Senior Services is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults in Macomb County, providing a range of supportive services, programs and resources.

County's 2025 budget reflects fiscal discipline and commitment to community needs

For the 14th consecutive year, Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel has prepared a structurally balanced budget. The county's proposed 2025 budget totals $1.1 billion, and ensures that all expenditures are covered by forecasted revenue sources. The proposed budget prioritizes strategic investments in community-based programs and modernizes county facilities to better serve the public.

The 2025 budget reflects Macomb County's continued investment in both its people and programs, driving meaningful and lasting impact across the community through purposeful spending.

Key budget priorities:

Public safety and crime prevention- The 2025 budget includes funding to bolster the Sherriff's crime suppression unit, ensuring the county can continue to address existing warrant files and support ongoing efforts to reduce crime.

Support for seniors and public health- Increased funding for senior programs and public health initiatives will ensure that Macomb County's seniors and vulnerable residents receive the essential services and care they need.

Clean water and environmental protection- Investing in natural resource management best practices, including ditching and vegetation projects aimed at preventing flooding and protecting the county's freshwater assets.

Animal Control- Investments will expand resources to enhance the services provided by Macomb County Animal Control, improving public safety and animal welfare.

Election integrity- The budget includes funds to support election integrity initiatives, ensuring secure and transparent election processes for Macomb County residents.

Community impact and nonprofit engagement - The proposed budget allocates seed funding for a community impact strategy, engaging local nonprofits that provide vital services to residents, and improving access to resources that directly benefit the community.

Trails and public spaces- A continued commitment to expanding trails and maintaining public spaces reflects the county's dedication to promoting health, recreation and community connectivity.

The proposed budget also modernizes county facilities, ensuring that public services remain accessible and efficient. These improvements will allow Macomb County to better serve the needs of its growing population and expand its network of partners.

The Executive's budget which can be found here, now moves to the Macomb County Board of Commissioners for legislative review. The Board will engage in a comprehensive analysis before approving the final budget later this year. Items requiring special attention throughout the fiscal year will be examined and initiated by the Office of the County Executive and administered through charter mandated budget amendment process.

Macomb County Finance Director Steve Smigiel announces 2025 retirement plans, transition process begins

After over 34 years of dedicated service to Macomb County, Finance Director Steve Smigiel has announced his intention to retire in early 2025. Smigiel's tenure as finance director has been marked by his commitment to maintaining the county's exemplary financial position with a strong AA+ bond rating and ensuring fiscal responsibility through disciplined budgeting and financial stewardship.

Smigiel has played a key role in guiding the county through numerous financial milestones, including the adoption of sound fiscal policies that have secured Macomb County's stability, allowing the county to adequately and fairly compensate employees, fund the new Central Intake and Assessment Center without using additional taxpayer dollars and secure bond financing to fund the county's retiree health care liability. In anticipation of his retirement, the county will soon begin a search for a new Finance Director/Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

"The past 34 years have been incredibly rewarding," Smigiel said. "I am proud of the work we've accomplished, and I am confident that the county will continue to thrive under new leadership. I look forward to working closely with my successor to ensure a smooth and successful transition. While stepping away is bittersweet, I am excited for this next chapter. I would like to offer my gratitude to Executive Hackel for appointing me as finance director and to Dave Diegel, who hired me into the county, as well as John Foster and Pete Provenzano for their guidance and wisdom through the years."

The timing of Smigiel's retirement will depend on the successful identification and hiring of the new Director/CFO. To support the transition, Smigiel will remain with the County in an advisory capacity until the new Director has appointed their Deputy Director. His advisory role will focus on mentoring the incoming leadership, offering insights and historical context to ensure the continuity of the department's work. The goal is to have a full transition complete by December 31, 2025.

As the county initiates the search for Smigiel's replacement, the selection process will prioritize finding a candidate who can uphold the county's high financial standards while also bringing fresh perspectives to the role.

Save the dates

Dogs at Your Dealer

Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Find Your Future Workforce seminar

Nov. 12 from 10-11 a.m.

For more happenings throughout the county, visit Make Macomb Your Home events and stay up to date with the Make Macomb Your Home official Facebook page.

Department:Planning and Economic Development