The Oakland County Board of Commissioners has appropriated more than $3.2 million to respond to the shooting that occurred at Oxford High School on November 30, 2021. The funding, which was approved at the board’s January 20 meeting with broad bi-partisan support, provides the Prosecutor’s Office with the tools and resources necessary to ensure justice; provides mental health support to students, families, community members and Oakland County Sheriff’s Office deputies who have been impacted by the tragedy; and supports economic recovery in the Oxford area.
“The way we respond to this horrible incident is very important to help not only the residents of Oxford heal, but for all citizens of the county, state and country,” Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford) said. “We must do our best to make sure we prosecute these evil acts to the fullest extent of the law. This is the time we need more, not less, when it comes to resources.”
Immediately following the tragedy, the board reserved $5 million to support Oakland County’s response to the Oxford High School shooting. The recent appropriation provides additional general fund resources on top of those that were originally made available to respond to the emergency.
The resolution creates positions within the Prosecutor’s Office for two office support clerks, two prosecutor investigators, two paralegals, one community liaison, one victim advocate and one assistant prosecutor, all of which will sunset on January 31, 2024.
“The urgency for action is now!” Board Chairman David T. Woodward (D-Royal Oak) said. “We acted swiftly and proved we are prepared to secure all resources necessary to help the Oxford community, and our entire county, get through this tragedy. Justice will not be delayed, and victims and their families will get the resources they need.”
In addition to new positions within the Prosecutor’s Office, the appropriation resolution includes:
• $500,000 in additional resources for the Prosecutor’s Office to prosecute the cases
• $20,000 for counseling services for Sheriff's Office personnel who responded to the incident
• $100,000 in support for the Oxford area’s economic recovery, including organizations and businesses that have provided indispensable assistance and resources following the shooting incident
• $500,000 for mental health resources to meet the needs of students, families, and educators who have directly been impacted by the Oxford school shooting incident
The board approved formation of the Oxford Response Ad Hoc Committee which will continue to monitor the need and release of funds over the coming months. Woodward will appoint Spisz to lead the committee.
“The citizens of Oxford continue to need support with this tragedy, especially when it comes to mental health,” Spisz said. “We at the county want to do our very best to support those in need and these monies can and will help do just that.”
For additional information about the Board of Commissioners, visit www.oakgov.com/boc.
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