Macomb County approves $1.1M increase for water and weatherization assistance programs

The Macomb County Joint Internal Services and Health and Human Services Committees convened on March 10, 2025, to discuss critical budget amendments aimed at enhancing support for residents facing financial hardships. The meeting focused on two significant funding increases: one for water affordability assistance and another for weatherization services.

The first agenda item addressed a budget amendment for the Water Affordability Program, proposing an increase of $371,423. This funding, sourced from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), is intended to assist residents struggling to pay their water bills, particularly those at risk of shutoff. The committee unanimously supported the motion to recommend this amendment to the full board, emphasizing the importance of maintaining services for veterans while managing budget constraints.

Following this, the committee discussed a second budget amendment for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which proposed an increase of $744,771. This funding is also federal pass-through money aimed at supporting weatherization services, such as furnace repairs and insulation improvements. The committee noted that Macomb County has a strong track record of effectively utilizing these funds, often benefiting from reallocations when other counties do not fully utilize their allocations.

During the discussions, committee members raised questions about the direct impact of these funds on residents and the policies surrounding water shutoffs in the county. It was clarified that while the county does not provide water services directly, it negotiates with municipalities on behalf of residents facing shutoff threats. The committee also acknowledged the reliance on federal funding, which constitutes approximately 85% of the budget for these programs, highlighting the potential risks should federal support be reduced.

The meeting concluded with both budget amendments passing unanimously, reflecting a commitment to enhancing support for vulnerable populations in Macomb County. The next steps involve presenting these recommendations to the full board for final approval, ensuring that assistance programs remain robust and responsive to community needs.