GAHANNA, Ohio — A representative of the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board of Franklin County briefed Gahanna City Council on Sept. 15 about a proposed levy renewal that would sustain county behavioral-health services.

Key point: The ADAMH representative told council that more than 75% of the board’s funds come from a single property-tax levy set to expire in December 2026. The board plans to ask voters this November to renew and increase that levy by 0.5 mills to maintain crisis services, prevention programs in public schools and a countywide behavioral-health safety net.

Nut graf: The presentation framed the levy as a local funding solution amid state and federal funding uncertainty. The speaker said the 0.5-mill proposal would cost a homeowner about $1.46 per month for every $100,000 of property valuation and would help preserve 24/7 crisis services and prevention programs across Franklin County.

Details: The ADAMH representative said the county faces a rising demand for mental-health and substance-use services, with suicide rates increasing among some age groups and overdose levels remaining “at historic highs” despite slight declines from 2020. "This levy offers a degree of certainty in an uncertain time," the representative said.

Council response: Councilmembers asked for the information sheet the speaker referenced and for the ADAMH contact and website; the speaker said materials are available on the ADAMH of Franklin County website and agreed to share the information with city staff for the public record.

Why it matters: If passed by voters, the levy would provide a predictable local revenue stream to sustain countywide behavioral-health crisis care, school-based prevention services and treatment for uninsured or underinsured residents.

What’s next: The ADAMH representative encouraged residents to learn more on the board’s website and to contact ADAMH with questions; council did not take a formal vote or endorsement at the meeting.