Board approves deficit-elimination plan as county seeks amendment to indigent defense grant

The Clare County Board of Commissioners approved a deficit-elimination plan intended to address anticipated shortfalls in the county’s indigent defense program funding for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30.

County staff explained that the current grant agreement shows total grant funding of $964,640.90 with a required local match of $237,683 (the match is split between two counties under the current fiduciary arrangement). Staff said total expenditures to date and recent invoicing trends indicate the county will need roughly $400,000 to $500,000 in additional funding to cover costs through the end of the fiscal year. The administrator said she had submitted a letter to the state requesting an amendment or revised agreement to reflect additional funding; staff reported the state indicated they would “make you whole,” but the county requested the change formally in writing.

During discussion commissioners asked clarifying questions about the dollar figures, the county’s ability to reimburse invoices filed after Sept. 30, and whether the amendment would be structured as a grant amendment or a revised agreement. Staff said the plan includes historic spending patterns (for expert witnesses and other case-related costs) and that the requested amendment would allow the state to reimburse the county for late invoices and anticipated overages. The board moved, seconded and approved the deficit-elimination plan by voice/roll-call vote.

The meeting record shows the plan was approved for submission; staff will pursue the formal amendment with the state and track reimbursements under the grant terms.