Minutes Archive

Board of Commissioners Minutes

CALHOUN COUNTY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

March 15, 2007

The Special Session of the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners convened at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 15, 2007 in Administrative Conference Room No. 3-700, County Building, 315 West Green Street, Marshall, Michigan.

Roll Call: Present: Comrs. Arnquist, Bolger, Rae, Segal, Solis and Todd. Temporarily Excused: Comr. Moore (Arrived at 6:13 p.m.)

SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES FOR CALHOUN COUNTY

Summit Pointe C.E.O. Ervin Brinker presented an outline of Venture Behavioral Health/Summit Pointe’s relationship for funding and benefits management. (ON FILE) Mr. Brinker advised that since 2006 Summit Pointe receives approximately $65 Million in medicaid, Department of Community Health (DCH), and general funding for four additional counties; e.g., Van Buren, Branch, Berrien and Barry. Mr. Brinker advised that the funding is passed through according to the DCH’s funding formula. Mr. Brinker pointed out that Summit Pointe has the financial responsibility and compliance liability of managing medicaid funding for everyone in Calhoun County that has a mental health or substance abuse issue. Mr. Brinker advised that Summit Pointe does not work with Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission for medicaid.

Mr. Brinker stated that Summit Pointe requests that the Board have the DCH designate Summit Pointe as the coordinating agency whereby Summit Pointe may receive the general funds from the state, which is currently appropriated to the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission. Mr. Brinker stated that Summit Pointe would like to also coordinate the general funds for those that are not medicaid eligible. Mr. Brinker advised that currently Summit Pointe works to coordinate those benefits for those that are not eligible for medicaid, however, does not want to send those in need of services between organizations dependent upon funding sources.

Comr. Solis inquired whether the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission currently receives funding for prevention services. Mr. Brinker responded “Yes, the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission has general fund dollars for both prevention and treatment services.”

Mr. Brinker continued that Chairwoman Segal and he have met with Don Allen, the Director of the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy, a couple of times to discuss coordinating agency requirement specifics. Mr. Allen has requested Summit Pointe provide a detailed plan and recommendations for funding, which is presently being prepared; and has inquired whether the Board of Commissioners is still headed in the direction of requesting the state to designate Summit Pointe as the coordinating agency.

Comr. Todd inquired regarding Summit Pointe’s relationship with Robert Bonds. Mr. Brinker responded that Summit Pointe has had a direct contract for services with Mr. Bond’s organization, Substance Abuse Prevention for Greater Battle Creek, for those that have medicaid. Mr. Brinker introduced Shelley Cizio of Venture Behavioral Health that provides Summit Pointe’s medicaid benefits management, negotiates the service provider contracts and works with all the organizations with which Summit Pointe contracts.

Mr. Brinker reported that on February 27 Summit Pointe hosted a county-wide community forum at the Burnham Brook Center facilitated by Carl Word that related solely to the issues, opportunities and challenges surrounding the incidence, prevalence, prevention and treatment of substance abuse in Calhoun County. Mr. Brinker advised that the forum was attended by 80 people, and addressed the summary of that forum. Chairwoman Segal stated that the biggest issue people addressed is that presently the system lacks wrap-around services and centralized access to services on a 24-7 basis. Mr. Brinker advised that the key issues that came out of the community meeting are that services need to be accessible and that the appropriate services for our communities are being provided. Mr. Brinker stated that the next step is to build the detail for the “big picture” plan, and advised that Summit Pointe needs to conduct another community meeting in Union City, Tekonsha and Albion.

Mr. Brinker stated that it is Summit Pointe’s intention to continue to work with the treatment and prevention providers that are currently in the community, and regarding prevention services, that it is Summit Pointe’s expectation that it will be county-wide and shall insist on a collaborative approach to benefit the entire county. Mr. Brinker stated that in order to enhance substance abuse services, Summit Pointe intends to involve The Coordinating Council and enlist the help of a substance abuse work group that has been successful in the past.

Mr. Brinker advised regarding governance and management of the coordinating agency, that Summit Pointe shall establish a local advisory council consisting of representatives of public and private treatment and prevention programs and private individuals appointed by the county commissions of the counties designated to Summit Pointe as the coordinating agency under Public Act 368 requirements. Mr. Brinker advised that both Barry and Branch County Boards of Commission have sent a letter to the state requesting Summit Pointe be designated as their coordinating agency.

Mr. Brinker stated that the biggest question is addressed on the last page of the status report provided, e.g., How much shall the county lose with the re-designation? Mr. Brinker advised that he really does not know because the amount of appropriation is approved by the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy and general funds dollars have been a question given the climate of the state’s economy. Mr. Brinker advised that Summit Pointe will actively seek revenue and has identified additional medicaid dollars in the system which can be used to develop a system of centralized access.

Comr. Solis inquired whether the other counties shall also have an advisory council. Mr. Brinker responded no, advising that each Commission shall appoint two representatives to the advisory council that shall be housed in Calhoun County. Comr. Solis inquired whether the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission has a similar council. Mr. Brinker responded yes, however, that Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission’s council is established under the Urban Cooperation Act. County Administrator/Controller Greg Purcell stated that he believes Calhoun County would get more funding and a higher level of service for Calhoun County residents by designating Summit Pointe as the coordinating agency.

Comr. Bolger inquired whether the potential loss of funding is due to changing the designation. Mr. Brinker stated that he believes that it has been stated as a threat by the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission as the Commission claims that because they have ten counties the Commission can pass the funds back and forth across the counties. Chairwoman Segal advised that regardless of whether the county changes designation or not, the funding formulas are going to change because there are enough other counties along the shore line that are changing.

Comr. Moore inquired whether a member of the Summit Pointe Board shall also serve on the advisory council whereby Summit Pointe understands the rationale of the council’s recommendations. Mr. Brinker responded that the Board of Commissioners can determine who is appointed.

Comr. Todd inquired regarding the time line for conducting community forums in Union City, Tekonsha and Albion. Mr. Brinker responded that it is really up to the Office of Drug Control Policy. Summit Pointe is waiting for the “go ahead,” and that once Summit Pointe is given that, the forums can be conducted within 30 days.

CITIZENS’ TIME:

Prosecutor John Hallacy advised that the Prosecutor’s Office has had discussion with Mr. Brinker and Suzanne Horsfall, and the issue comes down to responsiveness. Prosecutor Hallacy advised that for the past few years services through Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission have been unacceptable. Prosecutor Hallacy stated that he believes designation of Summit Pointe as the coordinating agency is the right step in providing better services. Sheriff Allen Byam concurred.

Mr. Terry Langston of the Albion Substance Abuse Coalition stated that he agrees with all the comments that have been stated. Mr. Langston advised that there is a great deal of tension with the Mid-South Substance Abuse Commission and he supports Mr. Brinker’s vision.

RECESS:

The meeting recessed at 7:00 p.m. at the call of the Chair to go into Regular Session.

Calhoun County
315 West Green Street
Marshall, MI 49068
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Fax: (269) 781-0140

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