County leaders said legal counsel will draft bond language to place a Lifeways mental-health facility bond before voters; a proposal for up to $15.5 million was discussed and officials asked Lifeways to confirm whether a phased or reduced amount is preferred.

The county authorized up to $120,000 from opioid-settlement funds to pay for injectable medication-assisted treatment (MAT) at the Hillsdale County Jail through the end of fiscal 2026; the measure passed 5-0 after staff described costs and committee oversight.

Commissioners discussed a policy to prohibit county funds or grant dollars from being used to purchase ALPR systems (e.g., Flock), while acknowledging the county cannot ban private deployments; public‑safety committee to draft a resolution.

Commissioners reviewed rising autopsy, pathology and investigator costs and said the county will likely contract with Jackson County for morgue and ME services, sharing costs by usage; the board flagged higher budget requests for 2027.

Multiple residents recounted a recent dog mauling that left a child severely injured and said sheriff's deputies did not inspect the property; the prosecutor said she spent a day reviewing evidence and Michigan State Police took over the investigation.

The county authorized the prosecuting attorney to offer an assistant prosecutor position out of classification at grade 12 step 1 after weeks of debate over pay and staffing; an amendment to raise the step to 5 failed and the final offer was approved 4–1.

After extended public comment both for and against Hope Harbor, the Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners declined the opioid-settlement committeerecommendation to provide up to $12,150 per month to Hope Harbor, voting down the measure 5-0. Prosecutor and citizens urged more scrutiny of proposed uses and program oversight.

The board authorized a Motorola Solutions change order to fund a structural analysis and foundation study for a dispatch tower to support additional antennas as part of the county's emergency communications plan; the measure passed 5-0. Staff reported the 800 MHz system is nearing cutover, with tower and microwave work underway and training scheduled for fire departments.

Judge Megan Styverson and county partners described rising meth and heroin caseloads, said treatment courts and federally funded case management are keeping families intact when safe, and warned participation in treatment courts remains voluntary under Michigan law.

MDHHS supervisors and a judge described the county's overdose fatality review (OFR), cited state and local overdose statistics, and said multidisciplinary reviews will produce data'driven recommendations to prevent future deaths.

Senator Joe Bolino (16th District) told attendees he is a recovering addict who entered rehab in 1983, later worked in charity and small business, donated a kidney last year, and urged policy changes such as DUI‑expungement and driver‑fee relief to help people in recovery.

EMS reported response times in line with national rural averages and ongoing staffing and training challenges; commissioners discussed the county telephone surcharge that funds 9‑1‑1 operations and whether to keep it as a recurring voter authorization.

Board votes to rescind earlier notice-of-intent and bond‑authorization language after Lifeways withdrew its request for financing; one rescission passed 3–2 and a companion notice rescission passed unanimously 5–0.

After public comment raised questions about wording and ballot placement, the Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners defeated a resolution to submit a referendum authorizing up to $15.5 million in bonds for a new Lifeways community mental health facility, voting 2–3.

A commissioner raised allegations about the county clerk’s behavior in court and handling of election materials. Other members cautioned about separation of powers and due process; no formal board investigation was launched during the meeting.

Commissioners approved several ambulance contracts for 2026, debated contract language on staffing and reserve funds, authorized a $57,892 bidirectional antenna for the sheriff’s office, and adopted a payroll‑deduction agreement allowing Sheriff’s Office employees to purchase equipment up to $950 repaid over 27 pay periods.

After months of study and debate over a $3.6 million renovation estimate, the Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners approved an amended resolution naming 25 Care Drive as the future site for the 2B District Court — but only 'upon securing funding.' The budget committee will return with financing options.

After extended discussion and multiple amendments, the Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners adopted an amended 2026 general fund and special-revenue budget that shifts funds to cover collective-bargaining costs, a pay increase for the jail nurse, and a new IT position to support 9-1-1 dispatch. Several transfers and internal reallocations were approved unanimously.

The Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners adopted the county's 2026 general and special revenue budgets after a series of amendments that shifted funding for jail staffing, IT, and other county services. The final budget passed unanimously after roll‑call votes and several contested changes.

County representatives request support for much-needed repairs at Lewis Emery Park.