Washtenaw County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Washtenaw County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Law enforcement response to mental health crises
Residents pressed the board on how deputies handle mental health crises, calling for better crisis response.
Community Corrections Comprehensive Plan
The board ratified the Sheriff's Office $3.14 million community corrections plan for next year, mixing an $850,000 state grant with local General Fund, millage, and fee dollars. It funds alternatives and services within the criminal legal system.
Health Department nurse and social worker recruitment crisis
Commissioners pressed Health Department staff on why the county can't fill nurse and social worker jobs — compensation is the core problem, with hospital systems paying far more. Commissioner Sanders asked staff to add net position-change figures to future budget reports.
Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee
The Board unanimously appointed members to the committee that will guide how opioid settlement funds are spent countywide.
Nondiscrimination in county-funded senior service contracts
Commissioners Scott and Sanders raised concerns about Catholic Charities' policies toward LGBTQ residents and staff and asked that nondiscrimination requirements be built into millage RFPs and county contracts with all service providers.
Sheriff's Office HR restructuring
The board rescinded its earlier transfer of Sheriff's Office HR administration to county HR and instead reassigned only the functions under Board authority — undoing part of a December reorganization.
Grant reviewer anonymity and Open Meetings Act limits
Recent Michigan court decisions may not allow anonymous volunteer grant reviewers for decisions the board makes. Commissioners clashed a bit — some want to protect volunteers from harassment, others (like Commissioner Rabhi) think public money should have public reviewers.
SWAT Tactics and Reform
A Northfield Township resident described a 12-hour SWAT standoff at her home that destroyed property over a nonviolent refusal to exit; commissioners Somerville and Hodge pledged follow-up and continued questioning of sheriff's office tactics.