Current Issues | Citizens for Hillsdale County

County Building Bond for LifeWays

In May 2025, County Commissioners voted to pass a $15.5 million dollar, 20 year building bond for LifeWays. Residents from all over the county expressed their concerns, but it fell on deaf ears. A group of concerned citizens formed Citizens for Hillsdale County and began a petition drive. On the day of the final vote, July 8th, the commissioners voted 3/2 to put the issue on the August 2026 election ballot. This means that YOU, the taxpaying voter of Hillsdale County, can use YOUR voice to make this decision. We, as a county, will decide TOGETHER if the risks of issuing this bond are worth any potential reward.

FAQ about the bond

Why are people so concerned about the bond?
-Economic times are hard, and the Trump administration is dedicated to slashing federal spending. With more than 95% of LifeWays’ income coming from Medicaid, a default is a real possibility. On June 24th, the LifeWays CEO reported for the 2026 year, there will be a 26% DECREASE in funding available to them. While they are unsure as to how that will affect them, it shows that budget cuts are a VERY real thing. In addition, MDHHS is restructuring the way they provide mental health services, and LifeWays may not be able to bid on those services.

Is the county liable for the payment if LifeWays defaults, and how big of a risk is the to Hillsdale County?
-This bond is a HUGE RISK for Hillsdale County. The county has limited credit available. Issuing a 15.5 million dollar bond for the construction of a new LifeWays facility will limit what other projects the county can do for the next 20 years. We already have an overcrowded jail in need of expansion, 800 unserved warrants a year due to lack of resources, crumbling roads ranked second worst in Michigan, and too little funding to keep up county parks. Should LifeWays miss a payment, the county is liable. Just ONE missed payment would consume over $1 million of our County General Fund, 7% of the entire county budget ($16 million/yr). To cover a missed payment, the County could be forced to cut funding to other essential services in the county.

Will voting NO on the bond prevent access to mental health services?
-Access to mental health services is crucial to our community and you should know that voting NO on the bond will not prevent that care from happening. LifeWays' services will continue regardless of if they obtain this bond or take out a regular commercial loan to finance their proposed building.

"I'm concerned that putting this much money on the shoulders of the county as a liability could have a really negative impact for our community, and my family"

Calvin - Fayette Township

"I want this to come to the ballot so the voices that were ignored by those three councilmen can be heard at the ballot box"

Ginger - Hillsdale

"We are anxious to host this petition and invite people to come and speak in a voice that our county commissioners can hear."

David - Hillsdale City and owner of Knowledge Emporium

"I think the county should be focusing on their more essential services, like police, and fire and roads. And the county parks that my wife and I love to take our son to."

Ben - Hillsdale

"If federal funds.. were cut or decreased, it would put Hillsdale County on the line. This kind of thing is being done while Hillsdale County does not have adequate jail space. So I don't think that the priorities are right here. "

Bruno - Litchfield

"I am really concerned about the financial obligations that the county would be taking on."

Carl - Hillsdale City