CADILLAC — Getting expenses under control is at the top of the agenda for Northern Lakes Community Mental Health.
The facility found itself with a nearly $9 million deficit, which is largely attributed to misappropriated funds.
A motion was approved by board member Al Cambridge who showed concerns throughout the meeting regarding firing staff without reviewing positions and whether the positions are crucial to services.
“The finance committee recommends that we the board, regarding our cost containment plan, is subject to the board being given a list of positions being eliminated and a reason for each of those positions being eliminated before staff adjustments are enacted, with a focus on phase one of the cost containment,” said Cambridge.
People came out in droves to plead with Northern Lakes Community Mental Health board members to halt the reduction of staff that they feel will greatly impact communities with disabilities and mental health concerns.
Grand Traverse Industries spokesperson Austin Darga, who is blind, shared his reservations.
“My main concern is that, if the funding cuts do happen, we’re not getting support or any money for the services that we’re doing. We’re going to end up losing that and there won’t be any place to go.”
Darga said he knows cuts need to be made, but reducing staff isn’t the way.
“We need to figure out how we’re going to be able to problem solve that because these organizations and these opportunities are so crucial to our community and the disability population.”
Some said the services through Northern Lakes Community Mental Health have given a voice to the voiceless.
“I need that support because there are other people in this world who don’t listen to me. I feel like an alien sometimes, and sometimes I hate myself, but my peer support specialists keep me going,” said one meeting attendee. “You want to take away these services by letting go 30 people. 30 people, how dare you?”
The Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Board will meet next month to continue discussions.