Oakland County committee approves $1.5 million reimbursable contract with Planned Parenthood of Michigan

The Oakland County Finance Committee on Wednesday approved a reimbursable contract of up to $1.5 million over two years to support Planned Parenthood of Michigan’s Ferndale health center, citing recent federal reimbursement disruptions and closures that officials said threatened local access to preventive reproductive care.

Paula Thornton Greer, identified in the meeting as CEO of Planned Parenthood of Michigan, told commissioners the Ferndale clinic faces an annual operating gap approaching $1 million after a year of lost Medicaid reimbursement and exhausted Title X funds, and that recent statewide clinic closures narrowed options for Oakland County residents. "Every dollar the county pays is tied to a service delivered to an Oakland County resident," she said, and added the county exposure would be capped and paid on a reimbursement basis.

Commissioners debated fiscal priorities and safeguards before the vote. Commissioner Long said she would not support the allocation, questioned executive compensation and urged an audit so county dollars not be used for political campaigns; she said recent federal funding restorations reduced the urgency for county intervention. Supporters framed the contract as an emergency, accountable step to preserve services for Medicaid, uninsured, young and LGBTQ patients who rely on the Ferndale clinic. Commissioner Powell said the county must "do what we can to sustain them for the next couple of years." Chair Woodward and staff noted the contract structure mirrors a similar 2019 arrangement and includes reporting and reimbursement documentation.

The committee approved the resolution on a voice vote, recorded as 4 yeas and 1 nay. The contract was described in committee as time-limited, capped, and reimbursable; staff indicated they would provide commissioners with the contract and performance reporting details.