Hamilton, Ohio — Butler County residents will face a significant decision in November regarding the future of local mental health services. The Butler County Commission is asking voters to approve a new half-mill levy, projected to generate $6.6 million annually. This new levy is crucial to sustaining and expanding mental health programs and services in the county.
Details of the Levy Proposal
The proposed half-mill levy would cost taxpayers approximately $18 per $100,000 of property value each year. It is set to replace the current 0.5-mill, 10-year levy, which was initially approved in 1985 and last renewed in 2014. The old levy, costing $5 per $100,000 and generating around $2.4 million, will expire this year.
Scott Rasmus, Executive Director of the Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Services Board (MHARS), emphasized that the new levy is designed to cover the gap left by the expiring funding. “What we’re looking at really here is the delta, the new mills versus the old mills, which is $13 per $100,000 home per year,” Rasmus explained. “That’s about a dollar per month, so we’re only going for what we need.”
The new levy aims to ensure continued support for mental health services amidst rising demand. Rasmus noted that the value of the existing levy has diminished over time due to inflation, making the new funding essential for maintaining current programs and expanding services.
Funding and Services Overview
The MHARS Board relies on a mix of federal, state, and local funding, with local tax levies contributing 57% of its revenue. Besides the new half-mill levy, the board also benefits from a 1-mill levy, first approved in 2006 and renewed in 2020. This levy collects $8.3 million annually and costs about $20 per $100,000 in property value.
The new levy is planned to be complemented by a renewal of the 1-mill levy in 2026. The board facilitates and finances mental health and addiction services through its partner agencies, serving approximately 37,400 clients in 2022—about 10% of the county’s population.
Rising Mental Health Needs
The need for the new levy is underscored by concerning trends in mental health and substance abuse statistics. Suicide rates and overdose deaths have fluctuated but remain high. In 2022, Butler County saw 64 suicide deaths and 184 overdose deaths, indicating a need for continued and expanded support services.
Rasmus highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, noting increased trauma, anxiety, and substance abuse. “Since COVID, there’s been a heightened need for mental health services,” he said. “We’ve seen a rise in mental health issues across various demographics, including young people, the elderly, and veterans.”
Challenges and Opposition
The board has faced challenges in expanding services, including an ambitious plan to establish an emergency mental health crisis stabilization unit. Despite securing $3 million in federal pandemic relief funds for the project, the proposal encountered resistance and was ultimately put on hold.
The plan for the facility faced community objections and logistical hurdles, with concerns about its potential impact on local issues such as homelessness. The board struggled with a proposal that exceeded its budget, leading to delays in the project.
Implications of a Levy Failure
Without the new levy, the MHARS Board faces the potential necessity of cutting programs and services. The board maintains a nine-month reserve of approximately $14.8 million, but failure to secure the new funding could force reductions to maintain financial viability.
Mike Stein, real estate director for the county auditor’s office, noted that the ballot will also feature other tax requests, including levies for libraries and schools. This competition for taxpayer dollars may impact the outcome of the mental health levy vote.
Personal Testimonies and Community Impact
Mat Himm, a past president of the mental health board and a beneficiary of its services, shared his personal experience. Himm, who has been clean for nearly 11 years, emphasized the importance of maintaining funding for prevention and support programs. “It’s very scary to think that if we don’t get new funding, we might have to cut essential services,” he said.
As November approaches, Butler County voters will decide whether to approve the new levy, which will play a crucial role in shaping the future of mental health services in the community.
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