[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6570212,"mediaKeyId","3274181-9ce8749dff2320aa7582987e3264cdad","parentId",3274181,"title","Votes at a glance: Montcalm County Board actions on warrants, consent items and closed session — May 12, 2025","audioSeconds",1065,"startMs",2411000,"endMs",3476000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3274181-9ce8749dff2320aa7582987e3264cdad&start=2411&end=3476","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3274181-9ce8749dff2320aa7582987e3264cdad/thumbnail_2411000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6570212/Montcalm-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Montcalm-County-Board-actions-on-warrants-consent-items-and-closed-session-May-12-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570212-7ea501de1168284ccd33d35e7c02525f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147610&Signature=NV6gh2mPT3wxmpkszR0gQH3MjEPsjJDzLTORTMmj1wok8Joq3FKGsSjYv8bUTjtZ5Bnv4POaFfuyLqhZJBi6P9WNaZYUKUhxsL30xy8YasMRQ~k4-BVMzloDB2KTJdc6akdYQWxBYfBcwcVGkzEogC2G2dRyGxyTbPfhF-n--h5PBRylfU2goPQ~5Xq-KR2QtlSHkkOmn1bezHg3bRNrjwf4NOWViJ~mQztXPSvBm2rbeZP1LeAaVKTa7Ldv6qFPy~nztkwtQWAlw4gM9QCEziINbGDaEEJ~bMReIGk6Ziegb7vIs2Yc~SABH-K4gYSdboWrdoR1JUfCpBZMVVTKTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montcalm County","date","2025-05-12T18:52:06Z","article","At the May 12 meeting the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners approved several routine and procedural items:

- Warrant reports: The board approved three warrant reports (05012025, 05082025, 05122025) in the amounts $155,210.50, $162,594.97 and $313,921.73 respectively, for a grand total of $631,727.20. The motion to approve and appropriate signatures for all three reports was moved and supported and carried by voice vote.

- Consent agenda: Items 4 through 7 were placed on file as part of the consent agenda following a motion to do so; the motion carried by voice vote.

- Closed session: The board moved to go into closed session pursuant to Section 8.1.8 of the Open Meetings Act to consider material exempt from disclosure under Section 13(1)gs of Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (attorney‑client privileged material). Roll call was taken and all present commissioners voted to enter closed session.

Each of these actions was recorded in the meeting minutes and carried by voice vote or roll call as noted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved three warrant reports totaling $631,727.20, placed consent agenda items 4–7 on file, and voted to enter a closed session under the Open Meetings Act to consider attorney‑client privileged material.","taxTitle","Montcalm County, Michigan","taxId",45831,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6570215,"Montcalm County sets 2025 tax rate request at 3.2116 mills after board debate",726,2550000,3276000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3274181-9ce8749dff2320aa7582987e3264cdad&start=2550&end=3276","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3274181-9ce8749dff2320aa7582987e3264cdad/thumbnail_2550000.jpg","/articles/6570215/Montcalm-County/Michigan/Montcalm-County-sets-2025-tax-rate-request-at-32116-mills-after-board-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570215-b1aa9db135514e7adc2db6bf9c6ec1cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147610&Signature=NnKJ9iMSxIM8MlTKMyr5vgeqyO5rTi~xEiSwsUoTIOW5gu8gO5NVRZco0RNVyCn7UY6jEL6hbrcmLdckdGK9RFNGDNVOOhLGWkESJrLnTYPrifqp2OnR-IGwM~2jg90EAc76Nco2gRfjk1NbBnRE8VWcUdXtXYRdxilgFiX7Rgt4AXuW2QKaf1JbaQFJ8jOfMPc4QN~QT8xb7ascQqnpS-MfK1gDuj14z4-nSS2zMZ8uD8WdUTE5MnjqNOaD-Nysomwe79wOLwBGaNvsa5h0xjRJkFBhPYyPCGNezqAjdrN8UcqpzLaiUXpYse6fvl~e4EIIeLLrIAwFheLB-~V1Dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montcalm County commissioners voted May 12 to file the 2025 tax rate request (form L‑4029) with a net operating millage of 3.2116, reflecting a full‑mill rollback from the county\u0000\u0000\u0000's full levy of 4.2116.

The motion to set the L‑4029 at 3.2116 mills was moved and supported and carried by voice vote.

County finance staff briefed the board on the fiscal implications. The packet distributed to commissioners showed a full mill equates to approximately $2,570,001.53 in levy revenue. Board members noted that, even with a full‑mill rollback, the county would realize roughly $528,000 more in tax revenue this year compared with the prior year because of increases in taxable values; commissioners also referenced a previously deferred bond payment that reduced near‑term obligations.

Brenda, identified in the meeting as the county controller, told commissioners she was \"on the fence\" but ultimately comfortable approving the rollback for one more year given the county's current fund balance and the absence of the bond payment next year. Commissioners stressed the importance of annual reevaluation, citing uncertainty in revenue sharing and property valuations.

Board members debated the tradeoff between short‑term tax relief for residents and long‑term capital and wage needs. After discussion the board approved the L‑4029 at 3.2116; the reduction will be reflected in the coming tax cycles and is expected to be realized in next year\u0000's budget planning.

The board directed staff to continue monitoring fund balances and capital commitments and to reassess millage decisions annually.","The board voted to approve the 2025 tax rate request (form L-4029) at 3.2116 mills, continuing a one‑mill rollback enacted last year; commissioners discussed fund balances, capital needs and sustainability.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6570220,"Montcalm County approves shelter‑to‑prison dog training partnership with Central Michigan Correctional Facility",810,1577000,2387000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3274181-9ce8749dff2320aa7582987e3264cdad&start=1577&end=2387","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3274181-9ce8749dff2320aa7582987e3264cdad/thumbnail_1577000.jpg","/articles/6570220/Montcalm-County/Michigan/Montcalm-County-approves-sheltertoprison-dog-training-partnership-with-Central-Michigan-Correctional-Facility","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570220-f1865acad9d190be28e051d24e488a04/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147610&Signature=YGIJsJMfGSPcrAd~4TfQ7E2Us8MHitYXj-1d3mEOeR~wPzR4WkYEdIlOvmeuRsfLbwgiuzBU66SPG3YyLRzNSuEfywpOE7pchv8UXkKsTPfoRueiT0a48VxYWB8GO3ar~fsXIaWndPF6o9G0JEw1hHd3623oNJTXI3Pl19XpESAHCXwTyEMPPaGxm35GT1ko9Fkcl9jizsAjwfEqvsUapZfKhhZrkJqiqf2a6cktqT-qM6x5E~v2EobkP97XO52VciYUhsSYpZFwCTP5~Ulv8n3jE7u0B32har0ZTFEHQoKZxD~ijqavVo8sOZzLXpa40r2bmV0RfK2Bt3a1uZ4hTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montcalm County commissioners on May 12 approved a partnership between the county animal shelter and the Central Michigan Correctional Facility to place shelter dogs in the facility\u0000\u0000Positive Futures program for training and subsequent adoption.

The motion to approve the partnership was moved by Vice Chairman Peterson and carried by voice vote.

Autumn Pumford, Montcalm County animal control director, introduced the proposal and said the shelter and the facility had reviewed program details and were prepared to proceed. Christy Hesbrook, a program coordinator with the Michigan Department of Corrections who oversees the Positive Futures program at Central Michigan Correctional Facility, described the training model and its benefits for inmates and animals.

Hesbrook said the facility can take \"upwards of 10 dogs at a time\" for an average training period of about eight weeks. Each dog is paired with a two‑prisoner handler team and remains under 24‑hour care during the program. Dogs typically arrive for a one‑ to two‑week decompression period, then begin formal training. Hesbrook described the program as \"purely positive\" in training approach and said the facility screens prisoner handlers through an application and interview process and maintains supervision.

Costs to the county are limited, Hesbrook said, and commonly come in the form of donations (food, treats, toys) and transportation; a prisoner benefit fund and outside fundraisers can defray additional expenses. Dogs that complete the program return to the shelter for adoption; each adoption includes a training packet, a certificate, a bandana and a handler letter summarizing the dog's work and needs.

Commissioners asked about negative incidents; Hesbrook said serious incidents were rare, noting one isolated case in which a very small puppy died after an accidental fall. The board voted to approve the partnership after brief discussion.

The county will document program care and training history for adopters and accept donations to support dog food and transportation as needed.","The board approved a partnership that will place up to 10 Montcalm County shelter dogs at Central Michigan Correctional Facility for eight-week training under the Positive Futures program; the shelter and MDOC described costs, volunteer roles and expected outcomes.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6570225,"Montcalm County commissioners urge state to release withheld mental‑health funds, oppose competitive procurement of PIHPs",955,477000,1432000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3274181-9ce8749dff2320aa7582987e3264cdad&start=477&end=1432","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3274181-9ce8749dff2320aa7582987e3264cdad/thumbnail_477000.jpg","/articles/6570225/Montcalm-County/Michigan/Montcalm-County-commissioners-urge-state-to-release-withheld-mentalhealth-funds-oppose-competitive-procurement-of-PIHPs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6570225-16dae2c6b28591e94a65031a517be879/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147610&Signature=hkluis16uKuHcjZWjS-rxP-Csri-NqyRJLpoZSuseNludC7xdaRj0s4y3SvyDUdlCD0RgfqELiaNzm4MYJtrMD3MORvBSeSHiTQtUk-dqjhtcV69fsOK8uCCuck~Hc2dyECPnX5IinFrb9h8Pft0gUrE8v2IcRG15nKYzl3owFOGs3P52-HDX1dX5j3mRs~pGDRtzCVXAq4eekABI9bTOPKK~YesDrmauITGeUFD6PXfGrUDZ8t1vdnGDjTZXx3MnxM7h4jcDowLlHnQbBJMSQW2s2bjzM9Rdti6XJivwZUsZt49cas~UUKxiD0IoT0NApBM38tkHnQHks57hHyhTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montcalm County commissioners voted May 12 to adopt two resolutions pressing state officials to release withheld public mental‑health funding and opposing a competitive procurement process for prepaid inpatient health plans.

The board approved resolution 202503, urging action to address a public mental‑health funding shortfall, and resolution 202504, opposing the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services\u0000(MDHHS) plan to put PIHPs (prepaid inpatient health plans) out to competitive bid. Both motions were moved and supported and carried by voice vote.

Tammy Warner, representing Montcom Care Network, told commissioners the agency serves people with serious and persistent mental illness in Montcalm County and is chiefly funded by Medicaid. Warner said the state has withheld funds that were appropriated in the budget and that her agency and other PIHPs have run regional deficits for multiple years. \"This is why we have the PIHP,\" she said, describing risk reserves the state allows the regions to hold and warning there is a \"risk corridor\" that could ultimately affect counties if reserves run out. Warner said Mid State Health Network\u0000holds risk reserves amounting to 7.5% of annual revenues and estimated the state withheld about $137,000,000 last year and closer to $210,000,000 this year from regional distributions.

Warner also warned the board about an MDHHS plan to seek bids for PIHP oversight, which she described as a step toward privatizing the public mental‑health system. \"We are a county based mental health system,\" she said. \"We were spun off as a stand alone authority to shield the county from risk in 1998. We are tied to the county. You appoint our board of directors, and we are here to make sure people in Montcalm County get the services they need.\" Warner asked the county to sign on to a statewide effort urging the department to keep the system public and local.

Commissioners discussed the effectiveness of resolutions as advocacy tools. One commissioner said lawmakers look for unified stances from local bodies, and the board proceeded to adopt both resolutions without additional amendment.

The board record shows both motions moved and supported and were carried by voice vote.

Background: Montcom Care Network is part of the Mid State Health Network regional PIHP structure that administers Medicaid mental‑health services in multiple counties. The network and several PIHPs have ongoing disputes with MDHHS over rates, reserves and contract terms; Warner said the disputes and withheld distributions have left regional agencies operating with deficits and create a potential risk corridor that could affect counties if reserves are depleted.

The resolutions (202503 and 202504) were placed in the meeting record following Warner\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000 comments and will be forwarded as official county positions to state legislators and the MDHHS.","After a presentation from Montcom Care Network, the county board unanimously approved two resolutions asking state officials to release withheld Medicaid mental‑health funds and to oppose competitive bidding for prepaid inpatient health plans.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Montcalm County Board actions on warrants, consent items and closed session — May 12, 2025

Montcalm County sets 2025 tax rate request at 3.2116 mills after board debate

Montcalm County approves shelter‑to‑prison dog training partnership with Central Michigan Correctional Facility

Montcalm County commissioners urge state to release withheld mental‑health funds, oppose competitive procurement of PIHPs