CADILLAC — A decision on whether to continue the course or move in another direction with respect to community mental health services will be discussed by Wexford County Commission on Wednesday.
At the meeting, nine board members will discuss memoranda of understanding with other members of Grand Traverse County and Northern Lakes Community Mental Health. This multi-county agreement will allow County Wexford to continue to consider improving the services and resources provided by Northern Lakes.
The county executive committee’s recommendation is to approve the Attorney’s Endorsement Memorandum and authorize Chairman Gary Taylor to sign it on behalf of the county.
Wexford County Administrator Joe Porterfield said county attorneys were not recommending that documents be changed from those given to the county by Grand Traverse County. said the way it was written contained no financial obligation to County Wexford. said it would allow it to continue to be part of efforts to keep it intact.
Despite this, Porterfield said some board members are still skeptical about Grand Traverse County’s intentions.
“I think some of our directors are skeptical and concerned.
If that motion fails, Mr. Porterfield said the issue will likely have to be discussed at a future conference. However, some members are concerned about how this happened.
On May 4, the Grand Traverse Commissioner voted to end the relationship with Northern Lakes. If the action goes ahead, the agency will cease to exist as an organization and all six counties will build new mental health systems, including new agreements and legal structures to provide behavioral health services as required by law. You will be given a one-year grace period to do so.
The dissatisfaction with Northern Lakes expressed by Grand Traverse County is primarily related to the services provided to Grand Traverse County Jail inmates and the feeling that more services are needed.
If Grand Traverse County or any other county within CMH chooses to leave the agency, all six counties will need to find new ways to provide responsible mental health services. They can do it alone or partner with other neighboring counties.
Wexford, Missaukee, Crawford and Roscommon County administrators have met to discuss the necessary steps should another CMH member, Grand Traverse County, decide to withdraw from the partnership.
At the same time, all six counties that currently belong to the Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Service are meeting to resolve the issue.
The issue leading to the departure to Grand Traverse County concerns one of our CMH employees. The Grand Traverse County Commission doesn’t want Joanie Brammer to be her CMH’s new chief executive. Following the retirement of former Northern Lakes CEO Karl Kovacs, Brammer is serving as interim CEO until a formal replacement can be found.
The Grand Traverse Board’s feelings about Bramah taking the position, many of which may have been aware of as the county considers secession from the six-county community, were announced on July 12. It became clear after the special meeting of
The Grand Traverse board voted to remove two nominees to the Northern Lakes board for possible dereliction of duty. The Grand Traverse board has asked the Northern Lakes board to investigate possible violations of board rules by Brammer, who allegedly spoke with board members outside of the board, previously Cited his two resolutions that were voted on. The board also makes Mr. Brammer the new chief executive officer of his CMH, believing that his two of the Northern Lakes board members nominated in Grand Traverse County run counter to the authority of the board. He said he did not vote to cancel the offer.
Also during the meeting, the Board will discuss requests for wage rate increases at the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office.
The request calls for a $3 hourly wage increase for lieutenants and commanders, in line with other local law enforcement agencies. It also calls for a $2 hourly wage increase for correctional officers and a $1 hourly wage increase for animal control officers and administrative assistants.
Funds used to cover the cost of wage increases are obtained by eliminating the positions of one deputy and corrections officer. , the 2022 budget also has additional funds that can be used for sheriff’s office vacancies.
Trent-Taylor said the proposed wage increase would make the Sheriff’s Office more competitive with surrounding law enforcement agencies and is expected to help retain current staff and recruit new ones.
The Commissioner will also consider amendments to the Veterans Group’s contract with Octagonville.
The Veterans Affairs Organization has asked the Board to amend the current agreement to extend the time allotted for the removal of the Octagon Building from the Wexford County Fairgrounds until the end of 2022. The county executive board recommended that the entire board approve the amendment.
The Commissioners are scheduled to meet on Wednesday at 4pm in the Commissioners Room on the 3rd floor of Wexford County Court. The meeting will have to be streamed via YouTube, but the county may be working through some technical issues. Prevent this meeting from being streamed.
