COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners Tuesday formally approved a recommendation from County Administrator Bud Norman that would first ask potential new county jail architects for Request for Qualifications, followed by a Request for Proposals. That way, commissioners can discard those who don’t have the proper qualifications right at the start of the process.
The whole plan contingent on a millage question for the new jail being passed by voters August 7, 2018.
Commissioners also passed a resolution which declares that the “unlawful distribution of prescription controlled substances has created a public nuisance as well as a serious public health and safety crisis for the citizens of Branch County.” The resolution follows the Commissioners recent decision to formally join other Michigan cities and counties in an ongoing lawsuit against 21 drug companies, distributors and pharmacies in an attempt by municipalities to be compensated for battling the effects of opioid abuse.
The civil suit is modeled after the successful tobacco litigation that generated billions in compensation primarily for states.
