Ottawa is one of five Michigan counties solely operating its Community Mental Health department.
According to CMH CEO Dr. Michael Brashears, shifting to an authority would allow it to operate more like a business than a government entity, providing financial flexibility and addressing more complex mental health services.
“Regardless of what happens, we need to ensure that consumers and the community’s protected and the staff are protected, and the services are protected.”
Currently, as a department, CMH adheres to the county’s budgeting process. Were it to become an authority, CMH would control its own decisions through a CMH Board appointed by the Ottawa County Board. Those decisions include financial, staffing and contracts.
Ottawa County could also reduce its financial risk but, according to officials, CMH is currently operating with a $5 million deficit.
“Right now, where’s the $5 million? If the region doesn’t have it, the state can cover a portion of it, but they can look locally to say, ‘What are you going to do to cover that deficit?’”
The county will host three public feedback meetings. Dates and times can be found on the Ottawa County website.
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