For Every Single $100 of sales tax gathered in Clark County– when you purchase groceries, an automobile, bulk lumber, whatever– a penny is allocated to assist those with behavioral health problems.
For the very first time considering that the pandemic begun, more than $11 countless that fund is readily available for regional nonprofits, federal governments and personal business to take advantage of for grant dollars.
The Clark County Mental Health Sales Tax Fund Board of advisers is fulfilling this month to evaluation lots of propositions that, under state law, should be efforts to assist with substance abuse and mental health.
The size of the fund makes this an unusual year, county personnel stated.
” It’s typically someplace in between $3 and $5 (million),” stated Lindsey Hueer, a senior policy expert at the county. “So it’s much larger this year.”
The county gotten 18 submissions from 17 entities, county staffers informed OPB. Specifics about those propositions weren’t easily offered, however staffers stated there’s a broad variety in what the candidates picture finishing with the financing. Propositions consist of employing substance abuse therapists, developing a program including treatment animals, and constructing a “healing garden area” at a regional center.
The propositions likewise vary by dollar quantities. Hueer stated the variety was from $60,000 to $2.7 million.
The general public will not have a direct say on how the funds are invested. Eventually, the Clark County Council will choose. A board of advisers– that includes 2 councilors, court administrators, and public health authorities– makes suggestions.
Councilor Gary Medvigy, who serves on the board of advisers with fellow councilor Karen Bowerman, stated he’s heartened by the variety of propositions he’s seen.
” We’re working like gangbusters to get that cash invested,” Medvigy stated.
The pot of sales tax dollars for mental health has in fact been closer to $17 million, Hueer stated, however the county should reserve a portion as a reserve and a few of it has actually currently been reserved for other costs.
In Might, Clark County authorized $2 million to be provided to the Vancouver Real Estate Authority to construct a 30-unit encouraging real estate complex near downtown Vancouver. And about $1.2 million has actually currently been sculpted out for costs within county federal government.
According to Medvigy, those internal projects consist of employing a brand-new supervisor at the Clark County Prison to supervise the procedure of examining prisoners’ mental health state, a position at the county’s mental health courts and another position at the county’s Neighborhood Solutions department.
The board of advisers anticipates to make its suggestions this fall. Agreements might be granted in January.