Macomb County Board of Commissioners approves Central Intake & Assessment Center Project

Date: July 20, 2023

Rola Zarife
Communications Coordinator
Macomb County Board of Commissioners
One South Main Street, 9th Floor, Mount Clemens, MI 48043
Phone: 586-469-5126
Email: rola.zarife@macombgov.org

At today’s Full Board meeting, the Macomb County Board of Commissioners approved one of the most comprehensive capital investments in public safety: the Macomb County Central Intake and Assessment Center. The funding of this project confirms the County’s commitment to addressing the needs of those that come into contact with the criminal justice system, laying the foundation for a diversion program for those with mental health and substance abuse challenges, preventing recidivism.

The Board approved $171,954,697 of initial funding with additional funding to be considered, as needed, in the later years of the project. This initial funding includes $129,758,815 of federal dollars, $40,000,000 from the State of Michigan and $2,195,882 from the County’s General Fund, without the need for additional tax dollars from the residents.

“This vote was not an easy vote to cast, and I realize we are talking about a substantial amount of money. However, the urgency of the problem that this program addresses can no longer be ignored. We are facing a mental health crisis both nationally and here at home in Macomb County,” said Board Chair, Don Brown. “I am proud of the fact that the Board of Commissioners was able to work with County Executive Mark Hackel to approve funding to address this critical issue. This shows that the elected officials here in Macomb County are willing to tackle an issue that for far too long has been ignored.”

According to Vice Chair Commissioner Harold Haugh, it is unrealistic to continue to ask people to work extended hours in an environment where their safety is compromised by falling cement and leaking pipes. “For me, this is a no-brainer. Do we need to spend it here? Yes.”

Finance, Audit, and Budget Committee Chair, Commissioner Joe Sabatini, commended the State of Michigan for providing a generous $40 million for this project. “As numerous Commissioners have previously highlighted, we are achieving this milestone without increasing taxes. I believe we are heading in the right direction and this decision is both justified and promising. I am optimistic that Macomb County will have an inspiring success story to share.”

Commissioner Phil Kraft who is also the chair of the Community Mental Health Board said “We need to help our law enforcement friends to help us. I am supportive of this project.”

The Board of Commissioners will consider future budget amendments to support the Central Intake and Assessment Center project through its planned phases. These amendments are expected to align with the project’s timeline and will ensure transparency as contracts and work orders are also presented for consideration.