The Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board has approved a comprehensive funding allocation totaling $12,621,872 to support mental health and addiction services when the new fiscal year begins in July. Despite anticipated revenues of $11,288,109, the agency will need to use more than $1.33 million from its fund balance to cover the approved services.
Major funding recipients
The largest allocations include Children’s Resource Center at $3,078,343, Harbor at $2,788,407, and Unison at $2,349,011. Additional significant recipients are Wood County Educational Services Center ($1,263,490), WCADAMHS Board Budget ($1,088,653), and OhioGuidestone ($253,829). Smaller recipients include The Cocoon ($426,200), NAMI Wood County ($230,349), and Zepf Center ($140,000). H.O.P.E in Fostoria received $13,755.
Revenue sources and strategic investments
The bulk of revenue—$8,766,505—comes from the local levy, which raises concerns about a potential ban on property taxes. State grants and funding come from criminal justice block grants, prevention, recovery supports, and mental health allocations. Federal revenues amount to $585,697, including Title XX Mental Health, federal block grants, and the Bipartisan Safe Community Act funding.
Key budget decisions
Executive Director Amanda Kern highlighted two significant additions to the budget. A transition to independence program received $215,000 “at the 11th hour” to provide evidence-based intensive case management and support for young adults with behavioral health challenges. NAMI Wood County received an additional $15,000 adjustment—totaling $230,349—to ensure the organization remained solvent despite losing a staff member while continuing education and strategic initiatives. The board also adjusted the System of Care Supports budget to ensure full-year funding for individuals currently in adult care facility placements, particularly through a partner project in Hancock County.
Board governance and process
Board member Frank McLaughlin raised concerns about the voting process, noting that contracts were approved in a single resolution rather than individually as in previous years. He expressed discomfort with the consolidated approach, though he had no concerns about the contracts themselves. The board agreed to review the process before next year’s allocation cycle. The new board officers are Erica Parish (president), Cara Neer (vice president), Lindsay Douglas (secretary), and Karen Baron (treasurer).
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://bgindependentmedia.org/wcadamhs-approves-funding-for-local-mental-health-and-addiction-services-agencies-for-fy-27/