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State DHHS specialist warns Oscoda County of child‑protection cost and coverage gap after prosecutor resignation
Summary
A Department of Health and Human Services specialist told the board that Prosecutor Kristi McGregor resigned from a contract representing DHHS in child-abuse and neglect cases, leaving the county to arrange private counsel at approximately $150 an hour and raising concerns about both child welfare and county costs after Jan. 31, 2025.
Tim Jensen, a services specialist with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, told the Oscoda County Board of Commissioners during public matters on Jan. 14 that Prosecuting Attorney Kristi McGregor resigned from the contract that had the county prosecutor representing DHHS in child-abuse and neglect cases.
Jensen said he learned McGregor resigned at the end of October 2024 and that a provision in the current contract allowed her to continue representing the department for three additional months, which would end Jan. 31, 2025. After that date, Jensen said, the department would not be required to be represented by the county prosecutor and the county could be compelled to hire private attorneys to handle those cases.
"This is not good for the children in the County because we have to find private attorneys to represent these cases," Jensen said, and he warned of a financial impact, stating private attorneys typically bill at about $150 per hour and that the county could face significant expenses "approximately a quarter of a million dollars" if the issue is not resolved.
Commissioner Charles E. Varner acknowledged Jensen's request for prompt review and said the matter is being handled by County Administrator Michelle Knepp. Knepp was noted by the board as the administrator responsible for addressing the situation; the minutes record no formal vote or board direction at the Jan. 14 meeting beyond acknowledging the concern.
The board did not record a policy decision at the meeting. Jensen asked the board to review the matter immediately and to seek a resolution that would preserve departmental representation and limit the county's fiscal exposure.
