Al Vanderberg

Rule Changes

Current county administrator

Dr. Stephen Cohle stepped back in October after 44 years in Kent County, and Dr. Amanda Fisher-Hubbard now runs the medical examiner's office for Kent and Ottawa counties. Dr. Nicolas Kostelecky is her deputy, and Cohle stays on part-time as a deputy.

Updated Oct 24

Money Moves

Backed the $18.5M purchase; the county's Finance and Infrastructure Committee advanced funding Nov. 2 and the full board was scheduled to vote Nov. 5.

Kent County will pay $18.5 million for the 138,000-square-foot office building at 300 Ottawa Ave NW in downtown Grand Rapids, buying it from DP Fox Ventures, a DeVos family real estate company. Commissioners approved the purchase Oct. 22, and the county says the money comes from its Strategic Capital Fund.

Updated Oct 23

Built World

As of September 2026: Confirmed county carries no obligation from the bonds

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation is adding 48 inpatient beds, a 350-space parking ramp, and a new children's hospital to its Grand Rapids campus. Chief financial officer Ryan Podvin says the expansion answers 'unbelievable demand' for rehabilitation services.

Updated Sep 6

Money Moves

As of September 2026: Recommended FY 2027 budget to board

Kent County's board approved a $696.6 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2027, lifting the General Fund 4.2 percent to $265.53 million without raising the property tax rate. Public safety gets the largest share, $143.5 million, including 42 new Sheriff's Office vehicles.

Updated Sep 3