HARRIS, Mich. (WZMQ) – This week, local leaders from every U.P. county are gathering in Harris to discuss the issues impacting their constituents.
The Upper Peninsula Association of County Commissioners (UPACC) Conference brings commissioners together twice a year at The Island Resort & Casino.
“UPCAP puts on a conference for the commissioners on how we can better serve the community and our constituents that we manage their tax funds,” said Marquette County Board of Commissioners Chairman Joe Derocha.
A topic that appears on the agenda more than once is mental health. Pathways Community Mental Health gave a presentation on how it specifically relates to law enforcement.
“The needs of the community and society at large are better served if people with serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance… or developmental disabilities who commit crimes are given effective and humane treatment in the mental health system rather than the criminal justice system,” Pathways representative Ruth Gerhart told attendees. “What we are trying to do when we partner with law enforcement… is we want to make sure that we are preventing inappropriately incarcerating folks with mental illnesses.”
Derocha says mental healthcare—along with the money needed to provide it—has become a pressing issue for many local boards.
“It’s a mandated service that counties have to provide, and the State has had trouble funding certain programs and how we best serve our constituents,” he explained. “It’s been a topic for several years now.”
Other agenda items include veteran services advocacy, updates on the Line 5 Tunnel Project, and the latest information on new laws from legislators and the Michigan Association of Counties.
“It’s a chance for us to see our local legislators from Lansing and get an overview of what’s going on and get a chance to get our two cents in with them,” said Damon Lieurance, a third-year commissioner on the Chippewa County Board.
Commissioners say the UPACC Conference is an opportunity to learn new information that they can take back to their counties. Derocha says the goal is to keep those communities informed and moving forward.
“It’s a learning curve on how we can make our dollars continue quality services and stretch it further,” he said. “How can we do things better? We learn from other counties and work collaboratively together.”
The Upper Peninsula Association of County Commissioners Conference continues on Friday.
