Money returned to State

A St. Joseph County agency had to return more than $200,000 it was given by a fellow department earlier this year.

Members of the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County were told during their monthly meeting Tuesday that more than $211,000 it was issued in April by the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority would have to be given back.

Liz O’Dell, CMHSAS executive director, said the money passed on from Oakland County is called a 236 Transfer. O’Dell said earlier this year she sent the state a letter indicating the agency’s need for a 236 Transfer and a response from the state indicated the request would be granted.

The state subsequently was told by its budget-management section that the offer was not allowed.

O’Dell said she plans to continue pursuing the issue and is seeking answers from state legislators.