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Committee approves short-term MIDC grant authorization to continue spending FY25 funds
Summary
The committee approved Amendment 1 to a grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs through the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) allowing Wayne County to continue spending fiscal 2025 compliance-plan funds while fiscal 2026 contracts are finalized; staff said statewide MIDC funding requests were cut,
The Wayne County Committee on Government Operations approved Oct. 15 an amendment to a grant agreement with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDLARA) through the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) to permit the county to continue spending funds from its fiscal 2025 compliance plan.
Robin Dilleroussa, director of Indigent Defense Services, said the authorizations allow spending of fiscal 2025 funds in the interim while the MIDC finalizes fiscal 2026 contracts. Angela Peterson, assigned counsel administrator, and Kimberly Dorsey, the county’s fiscal grant manager, were available for questions.
Dilleroussa told the committee that statewide MIDC budget requests were reduced — she cited a reduction from about $258 million requested to roughly $240‑plus million approved — and that many systems statewide are likely to see budget reductions in fiscal 2026. She said the MIDC is reviewing unexpended balances and right‑sizing systems accordingly. The county anticipates receiving more information after the MIDC meeting on the 20th of the month.
Dilleroussa said the interim authorization should allow the county to continue operations, pay rent and cover attorneys while the fiscal 2026 allocations are finalized. Commissioners asked whether the temporary authorization would sustain current services; staff responded the extension of fiscal 2025 funding provides sufficient coverage for current needs while the county awaits fiscal 2026 contract details.
The committee approved the grant‑authorization amendment on a motion supported by Commissioner Feline and passed the motion without recorded opposition in committee.
