Washtenaw County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Washtenaw County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proposed GFL landfill and Arbor Hills concerns
A Salem Township new property owner pushed back on the proposed Arbor Hills landfill expansion, arguing the state has 20+ years of existing landfill capacity and asking the county for a real alternative plan.
Drinking water contamination threats
A Webster Township resident warned that the dioxane plume is creeping toward the Huron River, Ann Arbor's drinking water source, and that herbicides are entering the chain of lakes.
Saline data center wastewater discharge permit
Residents are urging the county to oppose the Saline data center's permit to discharge treated wastewater into the Saline River, ahead of EGLE's October 21 virtual hearing. Commissioners Beeman and Rabhi said the board will send a formal comment letter.
Saline Township solar project host agreement
The county will receive a one-time $300,000 payment for hosting a 150-megawatt solar farm, directed to a new Community Energy Fund. Comm. Lyte asked whether the payment could be negotiated as annual instead.
Recycling and composting grants
Two small state grants — $7,500 for recycling education and $5,000 to expand composting — were up for acceptance, plus an extension of the county's fiduciary role for the regional recycling authority.
Water Resources 2025 annual report
Driskell's office spent $2.5 million on drain maintenance, advanced the Bryer Dam removal with $3.5 million in state grants, and runs food-waste and school recycling pilots — funded mostly by parcel assessments, not general taxes.
Western Washtenaw Recycling Services Renewal
Drop-off recycling for Chelsea and five western townships continues through a renewed WWRA special assessment.
Delman plume EPA NPL listing
Commissioner Sanders reported the EPA is taking on the Gelman plume for its national priorities list — a first step in a years-long cleanup.
Rising food insecurity and SNAP changes
The Food Policy Council reported food insecurity rising a couple of percent and warned that federal data collection is ending, making SNAP-cut effects harder to track. The council also supports free school lunches and medically tailored meal programs.
Materials Management Plan funding gap
The county's recycling and toxics programs run on landfill money, and Commissioner Eggermont says it would take $1.25 million a year to keep them going without it — plus up to $1 million more for new plan goals like education. The board has to figure out a funding path as the state-mandated planning process moves forward.
Freedom Township biodigester resolution
Commissioner Beeman said Freedom Township passed a resolution on biodigester concerns and she'd like the board to support them — coming to a future agenda.