During a recent government meeting, concerns were raised regarding the allocation and sustainability of funding for mental health services in the region, particularly in light of the state's distribution of resources following ballot measure 110. Officials discussed the distribution of funds among various providers, including the Center for Living in The Dalles and CCS, a mental health service provider.

One official expressed skepticism about the reliability of future funding, citing a lack of trust in the state's commitment to maintain financial support. They noted that the success of funding initiatives may hinge on demonstrating positive outcomes, with the potential for low participation rates to adversely affect statistical results for the county. This concern prompted a strategic decision to collaborate with CCS rather than hire county employees, as the latter could lead to financial strain if funding were to diminish.

The official highlighted disparities in funding between their county and more populous areas, such as Washington and Clackamas counties, suggesting that while there may be sufficient funds currently, the future remains uncertain. They emphasized the importance of having a robust infrastructure in place, which CCS already possesses, to meet state requirements for accountability in funding usage.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by local governments in securing and managing mental health resources, as well as the need for strategic partnerships to navigate the complexities of state funding mechanisms.