"Budget Cuts Spark Controversy and Consequences in Ottawa County Health Department"

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health budget process is moving forward without the input of Health Officer Adeline Hambley and her staff, as tensions escalate between Hambley and the county board of commissioners. The board, led by the far-right fundamentalist group Ottawa Impact, has demanded significant budget cuts, potentially jeopardizing public health services. Hambley argues that the proposed cuts could violate her state-mandated duties and lead to the closure of the health department. The ongoing legal battle between Hambley and the board adds further complexity to the situation. The budget process is now being handled by the county's fiscal services department, bypassing Hambley and her staff.