Board moves public defender MIDC budget amendment after state grant reduction

Macomb County staff presented a budget amendment to align the public defender's office with a reduced MIDC grant, proposing a $350,000 reduction to contract attorney costs. The presenter said the office is largely grant funded and will adjust internal budgets to reflect the change.

During questioning, the presenter confirmed the cut reflects a reduced grant amount and that the office plans to absorb the change by reducing budgeted contract attorney spending. Staff noted a state statute requires the state to reimburse the county if the county spends more on direct services than the award amount; the county will monitor reimbursements accordingly. The board voted to send the amendment to the full board, with a unanimous vote.

The public defender's office said it has room in other budget sections to shift funds if needed and will track spending and state reimbursements in line with statutory requirements.