Wayne County approves one-year extension for ACCESS WIC subrecipient contract amid documentation delays

Wayne County commissioners voted to approve a one-year amendment to a three-year subrecipient contract with ACCESS Community Center for Economic and Social Services to continue providing WIC (Women, Infants and Children) services across the county.

Dr. Brianna Osorio, director of the Wayne County Public Health Division, told the committee the department already has an existing contract and is proposing a one-year extension because some required subcontractor documentation had expired, producing a processing delay. She said the amendment is available as a one-year extension with options for additional renewals subject to available funding.

The discussion centered on why the amendment is retroactive and whether further renewals are permitted. Dr. Osorio explained staff discovered expired key documents while preparing paperwork and had to wait for subcontractors to update credentials, which led to the retroactive start. The department confirmed the contract language allows additional one-year renewals in the option period, contingent on funding.

Commissioners asked about program scale and funding. Staff said Wayne County’s WIC program serves roughly 16,000 to 18,000 clients across about eight county locations, and that federal pass-through funds cover the majority of program costs. Dr. Osorio described federal funding in the range of roughly $3.1–3.5 million for the county in the fiscal year and said the program is expected to be funded through Sept. 30 of the fiscal year; she cautioned that federal budgeting processes could change funding at a later date and staff will notify the committee if that occurs.

Commissioners also discussed local capacity steps, including renovations to the Hamtramck office intended to increase client access and compliance with program timeframes. Commissioner Morecki moved the amendment and Commissioner Killeen supported the motion; the committee recorded the motion carried.

The vote approving the amendment was recorded during the meeting; the motion was moved by Commissioner Morecki and supported by Commissioner Killeen. No changes to benefit eligibility or program scope were announced at the meeting.