Chippewa County

The Board of Commissioners conducted a public hearing regarding truth in taxation and millage rates. During the regular meeting, the board addressed several resolutions, including floodplain management provisions for various townships, ballot language for separate tax limitations, and a proclamation for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Day. The board also recognized contractors and staff for courthouse restoration efforts. Additionally, the board approved various items such as media advertisement for a marijuana safety campaign, conflict legal services agreements, LexisNexis service renewal, security policies for criminal justice information, HVAC replacements, and courthouse repairs.

The committee discussed collaborative efforts for educational sessions to support community partners in the field of substance use disorders, opting to delay these efforts until current funds are distributed. The primary focus of the meeting was the review of 2026 funding applications from various organizations, including St. Mary's School, the Medical Examiner, CLMCAA, EUPISD, GLRC, Mental Health Court, and FAN. Members disclosed potential conflicts of interest, and clarifications were requested from applicants regarding project scope, sustainability, and the feasibility of partial funding. Additionally, the committee established protocols for voting on applications to account for these conflicts and scheduled a follow-up meeting.

The committee focused on the review, scoring, and funding allocation of 2026 applications for Opioid Settlement Funds. Key discussion topics included the evaluation of applications from various community organizations against committee priorities, the status of legal review for proposed activities, and the availability of additional funds due to carryover amounts. The committee approved specific funding amounts for four organizations pending final legal clearance and discussed future improvements for the application scoring process and goal setting for 2027.

The committee reviewed assessment data regarding opioid settlement funds, noting primary themes, assets, and service gaps in treatment access and intervention. Members established funding priorities for the 2026 fiscal year, focusing on youth, prevention, basic needs, and access to care. The committee reviewed and approved the 2026 Request for Proposal with modifications to eligibility guidelines and scoring criteria to emphasize collaboration. Additionally, the committee finalized a timeline for the release, submission, and review of proposals, and planned future meetings for the evaluation and selection of funding awards.

The committee held an election for Chair and Vice Chair, approved its bylaws, and adopted a Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure policy. A presentation was provided regarding opioid settlement funds and spending requirements. The committee reviewed and recommended funding agreements for the CC Mental Health Court, Face Addiction Now, and the 50th Circuit Drug Court to the Board of Commissioners. Additionally, an agreement for fund management services with the Chippewa County Health Department was authorized, and a data sub-committee was established to work with MSU on community assessment data. The committee also discussed planning processes for upcoming fiscal year funding.