More money but not more programs

Jennifer Baker reports:

In one of Butler County’s closest races, voters narrowly passed a five-year, 1-mill levy to generate $7.5 million annually for mental health services.

The levy passed by about 1,600 votes; 51 percent to 49 percent. Early indications are that a recount will not be necessary, said Terry Royer, director of the Butler County Mental Health Board.

About 5,000 residents depend on the county’s public mental health services. But service costs are rising and other sources of income are shrinking.

If the levy hadn’t passed, the agency would have made $1.5 million in cuts to an already-depleted system, Royer said.

The levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $31 a year. The additional money should start coming in by spring.

The mental health board does not plan to add new programs.

“I will probably recommend increased funding to programs we already have,” Royer said.

The mental health board contracts with about a dozen agencies that provide counseling, medication and case management, including services for senior citizens and children.

The board also funds a court diversion program for the mentally ill with substance abuse problems and a treatment alternative court at Fairfield Municipal Court.