County Council approves $30K increase for mental health court funding

Budget discussions took a significant turn at the Hickman County Budget Committee meeting on June 2, 2025, as members approved a $30,000 increase for mental health court funding, bringing the total to $180,000, fully supported by state funding. This decision underscores the county's commitment to enhancing mental health services amid rising community needs.

The committee also addressed the newly formed probation court, which has a budget of $311,469, partially funded by probation fees. While the department is still in its infancy, officials expressed optimism about its potential to become self-sustaining. "We expect this department to fund itself, but it's still not even in its first year of operation," noted a committee member, highlighting the cautious optimism surrounding its future.

However, not all budget proposals sailed through smoothly. A motion to allocate $268,828 for courtroom security, which includes funding for four new positions, faced challenges. Despite the necessity for enhanced security measures, the motion initially failed to receive a second, prompting further discussion. Committee members emphasized the importance of moving forward with the budget, especially as new courtrooms are set to open soon.

The meeting also touched on the broader implications of the county's budget, with officials noting that the upcoming tax assessments are expected to be revenue neutral. This means that while individual tax bills may fluctuate, the overall revenue for the county should remain stable. "We need to have our budget ready to go," one member stated, reinforcing the urgency of finalizing the budget despite uncertainties.

As the committee moves forward, the approved mental health funding and the ongoing discussions about probation services and courtroom security will be critical in shaping Hickman County's approach to public safety and community health in the coming year.