McCulloch to represent county on HCMA board

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch was unanimously appointed last week by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to represent the county on the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA) Board of Commissioners.

The seven-member HCMA board oversees the 24,000-acre metropark system in five counties across southeast Michigan, including Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw and Livingston counties. Two HCMA board members are appointed by the state’s governor. County representatives, such as McCulloch, serve six-year terms.

McCulloch will bring experience to the HCMA board, as he has served on the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission for the past 11 years and is currently the county parks commission’s vice chairman.

“These are tough economic times that impact our parks system,” McCulloch stated in a prepared release. “It will be a challenge to maintain programs, nature trails and open spaces that contribute to an improved quality of life. As a long-time member of the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, I’ve faced many of the same kind of challenges that I expect to see as (an HCMA) board member. Based on my experience, I know I’ll be able to hit the ground running. There won’t be a lengthy learning curve.”

The HCMA receives most of its funding for its 13 metroparks through a millage currently collected at the rate of 0.2146 mills. Additional revenue comes from vehicle admission fees, golf and boat launching fees, as well as rental fees for boats and bicycles.

The HCMA board makes policy decisions for the authority, including approving expenditures, acquiring land, planning new parks and facilities, approving fees and charges, and awarding contracts. The board appoints the director, deputy director, controller and secretary for the metroparks.