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Calhoun County board hears mental-health funding update as staff seeks state Public Act 2 dollars
Summary
Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services told the board it has received $814,000 from the Michigan Treasury (with $86,000 for the region) and $70,000 for transportation; county leaders said they will press Lansing for additional Public Act 2 funds and the agency will return with a proposed budget.
The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners received an update March 20 from Charles Spence, director of Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, who said the agency has received $814,000 from the Michigan Treasury, with $86,000 earmarked for the region, plus $70,000 to cover transportation costs for providers.
"We are holding the providers in Calhoun County harmless given that the transitions in the data system have taken some time," Director Charles Spence said, describing temporary adjustments while a system transition is completed. Spence told commissioners he expects to return with a budget within about a month.
County Administrator Greg Purcell and several commissioners discussed the county's decision last year to withhold payment to Mid-South; Purcell said that move preserved county funds for services. Commissioner Rae said he, Commissioners Moore and Solis will appear before state officials in Lansing to urge release of additional Public Act 2 funding to support local providers.
Commissioner Moore noted that admissions to treatment programs appear to be down and asked whether providers are conducting outreach; Spence said the agency is asking staff to consult with providers and, if referrals remain low, expand services to reach more people.
Robert Bonds, a Battle Creek resident who spoke later during citizens' time, thanked the Board for changing the county's provider arrangement from Mid-South to Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and invited two commissioners to meet with local treatment providers to coordinate follow-up.
Next steps: Spence will prepare a proposed budget for the county relating to the Public Act 2 funds and return to the Board; commissioners said they will press state officials for further disbursement.
