The Ottawa County Community Mental Health Department’s transition to an independent authority is moving forward, with officials outlining hiring, legal and operational steps ahead of an expected launch in October 2026.
It’s been four months since the Ottawa County Board approved the transition. Commissioners heard an update June 23 on the three-year transition plan, which can be viewed at tinyurl.com/mryrh8p3. The board can reverse its decision anytime, if the transition doesn’t go as planned.
“We continue working on this with the goal of ensuring that the authority … is a success, ensuring that (employees) feel no harm through this process and ensuring that value is being given to county residents,” said Ottawa County Deputy Administrator Brian Dissette.
Ottawa County was previously one of five counties statewide with a municipal-operated department. CMH expects to begin operating as an independent authority in October 2026, with employees transitioning to authority staff by January 2027.
What about finances?
Cost estimates tied to the transition and ongoing authority operations are still being identified.
A job posting for chief financial officer is active, with candidate screening underway. An interim CFO from the county’s fiscal services department has been appointed. The authority has also contracted with Miller Johnson for independent legal counsel.
What comes next?
A draft separation agreement has been completed and awaits approval. The agreement defines existing service relationships, including jail mental health services, law enforcement crisis intervention support, property rental, human resources, fiscal services, IT and facilities maintenance.
Officials must also confirm insurance and risk management structures, prepare a retirement system, establish fiscal policies, advance state approval and coordinate technology migration.
Ottawa County is awaiting a signature from the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that formally recognizes the Community Mental Health Authority. If that signature isn’t received, operations could begin one year after the board’s decision, in spring 2027.
— Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at ckavathas@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on X @cassideykava.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: OC Community Mental Health eyes completed transition in October
Reporting by Cassidey Kavathas, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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By Cassidey Kavathas, Holland Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
