KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners may have to dip into COVID-19 relief money to close a funding gap for a critical program that keeps suspected offenders out of jail.
The Office of Community Corrections is looking at a $400,000 shortfall for this coming year because the pandemic has wiped out their reserves and cut into their income.
Director Ken Bobo says their diversion programs saved the county a lot more than that by keeping suspects out of jail, and under their supervision. He says in addition it also cuts court costs, reduces crime, and reforms repeat offenders.
Interim Comptroller Amanda Morse says federal COVID-19 relief dollars could be applied as a stopgap, but says county General Fund dollars would need to be used in 2023 and beyond, or cut programs.
The Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved $4,100 to cover the Office of Community Corrections deficit from 2021.
The office will have to go through the competitive process for federal America Rescue Plan Act funds for 2022
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