July 20, 2026 CMH Finance Committee

The July 20, 2026 meeting of the Ottawa County Community Mental Health (CMH) Finance Committee focused extensively on financial updates, budget management, and contract renewals related to mental health and substance use disorder services. Key procurement discussions included the renewal of contracts with service providers such as Preston Associates for independent review of inpatient care extensions and Credible Minds for a grant-funded website, as well as a new contract with Empower Community Care to provide brief strategic family therapy under a grant. The committee also discussed the challenges of managing the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) funding model, emphasizing the need to balance expenditures with limited state funding and the risk of budget overruns. Significant attention was given to the ongoing underfunding issues with Medicaid reimbursement rates, the structural budget deficit, and the need for advocacy at the regional and state levels to secure additional funding, particularly for high-need residential care. The committee reviewed financial statements with a motion to receive (not approve) the fiscal year 2026 June financials due to ongoing revenue uncertainties. Additionally, the committee discussed the upcoming fiscal year 2027 contract with the Lakeshore Regional Entity, highlighting concerns about funding adequacy and contract terms. Public comments underscored the impact of rising minimum wages on direct care worker compensation and the broader implications for service delivery costs. Overall, the meeting addressed critical procurement and budgetary challenges facing the CMH system, with plans for continued advocacy and financial oversight.