Washtenaw County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Washtenaw County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sheriff road patrol funding
The sheriff's grant funds two deputies who cover rural areas without police service and handle serious crash investigations. Commissioners raised equity questions about coverage for uncontracted townships and privacy concerns about the traffic-data platform used for enforcement targeting.
Healthcare Access Response
The county approved a $1.5 million healthcare access response proposal to fund new health department and Washtenaw Health Project positions, helping residents navigate coverage losses and healthcare costs.
Law enforcement response to mental health crises
Residents pressed the board on how deputies handle mental health crises, calling for better crisis response.
Contract policing methodology and cost
The county has 82 authorized police service units serving 12 contract partners, but the 20-year-old pricing methodology breaks down when applied to actual costs. An RFP is out for a consultant to review it, with selection targeted for Q4 2026 — commissioners want full cost breakdowns including healthcare, which the county has been subsidizing.
Sheriff's Office conduct complaints
A Ypsilanti Township resident detailed ongoing disputes with the sheriff's office and prosecutor's office, including confiscated property. Commissioners noted the sheriff is independently elected and urged direct engagement.
Waseem v. Washtenaw County settlement
A negotiated settlement in a lawsuit against the county was on the agenda for approval, with details discussed in open session and related litigation in closed session.
Washtenaw Equity Partnership implementation
The WEP's 65 recommendations to address racial disparities in the county's criminal legal system have been stalled since 2024. CREW wants the county to hire a dedicated implementation manager, and Administrator Jackson says there's momentum to do it.
ICE enforcement activity in Washtenaw County
Nearly a dozen speakers urged the board to keep fighting the federal lawsuit over its ICE-free zone policy, including the children of a detained Ypsilanti father. Commissioners across the board pledged to stand firm, calling the lawsuit a badge of honor.
CLEMIS records system transition
The county is leaving Oakland County's CLEMIS arrangement for a new CLEMIS Authority Board, keeping the shared records system that serves the Sheriff, Prosecutor, Public Defender, and courts. The county administrator becomes the county's appointee.
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.
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.
Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee
The Board unanimously appointed members to the committee that will guide how opioid settlement funds are spent countywide.
E-911 dispatch surcharge increase
The Sheriff's proposal to raise the 43-cent 911 surcharge (unchanged since 2013) and put it on the November ballot failed 4-5 after fire chiefs and township leaders asked for shared governance and more planning time.
Sycamore Meadows sewage crisis
Raw sewage backups at a 262-unit subsidized Superior Township apartment complex displaced families; the county hired a contractor to clear the sewer system and temporarily housed affected families, while HUD and Congressman Dingman's office are engaged.
Community violence intervention funding gap
Leaders of Supreme Felons Inc. told the board their grant-funded violence intervention work has run out of money, saying violence is ticking back up in Ypsilanti-area neighborhoods. Commissioner Hodge acknowledged the funding lapse and said the county is exploring ways to sustain the work.