GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Recently released audio and minutes from a 2024 session of the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners revealed the contentious scene behind closed doors late last year, as county commissioners met to discuss what became some controversial business.

The County released the December 10, 2024, recordings this week per what it said on the thumbnail of the recordings was a court order.

The Board, t hen under the majority control of conservative group Ottawa Impact, met to consider what would eventually become two separation and release agreements with county officials: then-Interim County Administrator Benjamin Wetmore and then-Executive Aide Jordan Epperson.

When it came to Wetmore, then-Commission Chairman Joe Moss spoke as to why the interim administrator sought to

See Full Page