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Chippewa County accepts clean audit for Health Department despite $871,600 loss; board approves contracts
Summary
County auditors issued an unmodified opinion for the Chippewa County Health Department fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, while the department recorded an $871,600 loss; the board approved several health‑department contracts and grant‑funded advertising.
The Chippewa County Board of Commissioners on April 17 accepted an external audit of the county Health Department that found the department’s fiscal 2024 financial statements received an unmodified opinion even as the department reported a loss of $871,600.
Ken Talsma of Anderson, Tackman & Co. presented the audit and told the Finance Committee and board that the financial statements complied with government auditing standards and that auditors issued a clean opinion. The audit shows the Health Department’s unrestricted fund balance at $348,981. County and health officials said a Corrective Action Plan will be submitted to the State of Michigan because this is the third consecutive year of operational losses in Home Health and Hospice services.
Following the audit presentation, the board approved several health‑department contract and vendor items. Those included grant‑funded advertising and media for family planning and medical marijuana outreach (Lamar billboards totaling $23,200; Lake Superior State University dasher boards for $4,400; and Sovereign Communications radio buys for $15,000). The board also authorized a temporary independent contractor agreement with Lisa Tatrow to provide Maternal Infant Health Program services at $75 per visit through June 30, 2025, pending hiring of a permanent social worker.
The board approved an Abilita telecommunications retainer ($375/month for 24 months) to help review telecom bills and manage vendor services; access for Home Health & Hospice patient files through Brightree/MatrixCare with first‑year costs noted; and moving Health Department bank accounts at Central Savings Bank to the County’s EIN to simplify administration. The board also approved temporarily reducing food service license fees for two elementary schools to $71 each so they can continue serving meals through the end of the school year.
Officials said many of the advertising/media expenses are covered by specific grants and that the Corrective Action Plan will address ongoing Home Health and Hospice deficits.
