DeKalb County earmarks $15M for crisis center as state funding remains uncertain

In a recent meeting of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, significant discussions centered around the allocation of funds for a proposed crisis center aimed at addressing mental health needs in the community. The board confirmed that $15 million has been earmarked for this project under the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) initiative, although these funds have yet to be allocated to any specific project.

Commissioners highlighted the importance of the crisis center, which was a key component of the referendum that led to the approval of the SPLOST funds. The estimated total cost for the center is projected to be between $20 million and $25 million, prompting discussions about the need for additional funding sources. While there is no formal requirement for matching funds, the board acknowledged that securing extra financial support is crucial for the project's success.

One of the state representatives is actively advocating for an additional $9 to $10 million to help meet the financial requirements for the crisis center. However, as of now, the county has not secured these additional funds, leaving the $15 million in SPLOST 2 as the only committed financial resource for the project.

The commissioners expressed optimism about the potential for future funding, emphasizing the pressing need for enhanced mental health services in DeKalb County. They noted that the region has the highest demand for mental health crisis services but currently lacks adequate facilities to meet this need. The discussions underscored the county's commitment to addressing mental health issues, with the crisis center positioned as a vital step towards improving community health outcomes.

As the board continues to navigate funding challenges, the future of the crisis center remains uncertain, but the commitment to earmark the SPLOST funds for this purpose reflects a proactive approach to addressing mental health needs in the community. The board's next steps will likely involve ongoing advocacy at the state level to secure the necessary funding and finalize plans for the crisis center.