Washtenaw County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Washtenaw County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.