August 24, 2026 CMH Finance Committee

The August 24, 2026 meeting of the miOttawa CMH Finance Committee focused extensively on financial oversight and budget planning related to community mental health services. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of banking services contracts with Huntington Bank for general accounting and credit card processing, with a combined cost not exceeding $20,000. The committee reviewed detailed financial dashboards monitoring CCBHC (Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic) revenue and expenditures, highlighting challenges in balancing revenue goals with service costs, especially related to Medicaid and crisis services. The committee also discussed the transition to authority status effective October 1, 2026, including new financial policies for accounts payable and payroll processing, emphasizing internal controls and dual-signature requirements for expenditures. Budget deficit reduction plans were presented, focusing on high-cost areas such as community living supports (CLS) and residential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with projections showing a structural deficit driven by increased service utilization and caregiver demographics. The committee previewed the fiscal year 2027 budget, noting assumptions on revenue streams, millage fund adjustments, and expense allocations, including a $5 million deficit carried over from prior years. A motion to receive the July 2026 financial statements was passed unanimously. Overall, the meeting addressed critical financial management, contract approvals, and strategic planning to address ongoing budget deficits and service delivery challenges.