County approves promissory note as Ottawa CMH transitions to authority; labor negotiations to be led by new authority

Board members noted the county commissioners overwhelmingly approved the transition agreement and an historic promissory note to help the new Ottawa County CMH authority manage cash flow during the change in status. Director Michael Brashears said the promissory note contains restrictions but will help the authority meet short-term obligations as revenue timing shifts during transition.

Brashears also reported that the authority will lead labor negotiations for the first time, with the board's negotiation team including the director, the CFO, COO and legal counsel; he said labor negotiations begin in 2027 and that he will present a "state of the Ottawa County CMH authority" address at the next board meeting to launch strategic planning. The board discussed timing, potential invoice-processing implications during the changeover, and confirmed the old county processes will cover any invoices billed for services provided prior to the transition date.