MANSFIELD — Richland County voters have supported a mental health and recovery services levy for about 40 years.
That sentiment remained the same Tuesday night.
A 1-mill, 10-year property tax renewal — placed on the ballot by the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board — was approved by a nearly 20-percent margin.
According to final, unofficial vote totals from the Richland County Board of Elections, 10,637 voters (59.74 percent) were in favor of the measure, while 7,168 (40.26 percent) voted against it.
“On behalf of those we serve, those that work in the field, board staff and our Board of Directors, I want to extend gratitude to the people who voted for the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services levy,” said Sherry Branham-Fonner, the board’s executive director.
“Services funded by the levy will help improve the lives of our family, friends and neighbors. These services can literally save lives.”
As a renewal, current tax rates for the issue are not increasing.
According to Branham-Fonner, the levy has generated an average of about $2.2 million over the past five years. It costs a county property owner with a $100,000 home approximately $35 each year.
“Richland County voters have historically supported our behavioral health system of care for 40 years and the passing of this levy will continue that legacy,” she said.
“We will honor the voters by ensuring a quality system of care for those in need. Again, thank you to those Richland County voters who support our system and those we serve.”
Funding from the countywide levy supports a wide range of services, including 24/7 mental health crisis response and prevention and outreach programs.
The levy also helps fund treatment for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges and early intervention programs for children, adolescents and adults, among other services.
“The impact of services funded with these dollars are life saving and provide supports to help ensure quality care and recovery,” Branham-Fonner said. “These funds will provide support for those in need including crisis services, clinical care, housing, prevention, advocacy and education.
“They will fund services with agencies you know and trust, including Catalyst Life Services, Family Life Counseling, Coleman Health Services, NAMI Richland County, UMADAOP and CACY.”
Community investment made this reporting happen. Independent, local news in Shelby and Northern Richland County is brought to you in part by the generous support of Phillips Tube Group, R.S. Hanline, ArcelorMittal, Lloyd Rebar, Hess Industries, and Shelby Printing.
