# September 21, 2026 CMH Finance Committee

The September 21, 2026 meeting of the Ottawa County Mental Health (CMH) Finance Committee focused extensively on financial management, contract approvals, and budget challenges. Key procurement-related discussions included the approval of a new contracting policy that sets a $100,000 threshold for board approval of contracts, allowing the CEO more flexibility for contracts below that amount. The committee reviewed numerous contract renewals, amendments, and extensions for service providers, including those related to crisis services, behavioral health, and millage-funded programs. The committee also discussed the award of a grant from SAMA to expand crisis services, including a pilot living room model for walk-in crisis intervention. Financial updates highlighted a significant Medicaid deficit projected to increase by several million dollars, with ongoing efforts to reduce costs through staffing freezes and administrative adjustments. The committee emphasized the need for uniform regional utilization management guidelines and increased state funding to address the structural deficit. Additionally, the committee reviewed purchasing card policies, payment authorization procedures, and provider scorecards to ensure contract compliance and quality. Motions to approve the contracting policy, contract renewals, and the Medicaid agreement were passed unanimously. Overall, the meeting underscored the financial pressures facing the mental health system and the committee's efforts to manage contracts and budgets prudently while advocating for additional resources.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Healthcare, Professional Services
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 21, 2026

### Sources
- [September 21, 2026 CMH Finance Committee](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehAvu2toZyI) - miOttawa