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Community Corrections director proposes local pre-trial program; county asked for formal proposal
Summary
Michelle Callam and Cory Ward updated commissioners on JDCC caseloads and proposed restarting a local pre-trial program to reduce transports to Mitchell County; startup estimated at about $15,000 and commissioners requested a formal proposal for 2026 consideration.
Michelle Callam, Community Corrections Director, and Cory Ward, Pre-Trial Program Supervisory, briefed the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners on the 28th JDCC Community Corrections update and raised a proposal to restart a local pre-trial program.
Callam reported program caseloads, saying, "they have 416 clients on Adult Supervision program, 6 are from Ottawa County," and that juvenile services include "90 clients ... 4 of those are Ottawa County cases." She told commissioners Juvenile Intake and Assessment staff responded to 205 incidents between Oct. 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, with four incidents occurring in Ottawa County. Callam said a local pre-trial option "might save the county some money by putting inmates on pre-trial rather than transporting them to Mitchell County" and estimated "The startup cost would be around $15,000.00." She offered to submit a formal written proposal for the commission to consider for 2026.
County Attorney Jeff Ebel later addressed the commission in support of a local pre-trial program, calling it "a huge tool in the courtroom. It helps get a foot in the door early to possibly get help they need and is invaluable." Commissioners asked staff questions about tracking success and outcomes; Cory Ward said the program can track client progress through the court system and treatment providers. The board requested a formal proposal and cost breakdown from Callam for future consideration.
