The Will County Board on Oct. 16 amended a proposed Community Mental Health Board ("708 board") estimate and approved an estimated aggregate levy of $10,000,000 for the upcoming levy year.

The 708 board had requested $12 million in its estimate. County Board Member O'Gala moved an amendment to reduce the requested amount first to $8 million, then—after discussion—moved and accepted a compromise amendment to $10 million. The amended figure was adopted on roll call.

Why it matters: The 708 board distributes county mental-health levy proceeds to local behavioral-health providers and programs. Supporters at the meeting, including service providers and board members, argued that demand for mental-health and substance-use services is rising; critics urged stronger accountability and closer financial reporting to the county board.

Discussion highlights

- Christine Duran, president and founder of Triple H Ranch, told the board that 708 board funding enabled her organization to start a program for foster and post-adoption children and that families have reported early positive results. "The funds that you are giving to the 708 board are truly impacting our community," she said during public comment.

- County Board Member O'Gala proposed lowering the estimated levy to $10 million as a compromise between earlier positions; Member Trenier and others said the 708 board's first-year grants and annual report showed promising outcomes.

- Several members on the board urged stronger transparency and regular reporting; one board member noted the statutory independence of the 708 board and asked for more direct accountability and financial detail.

Formal actions and outcome

- Motion to amend the Community Mental Health Board estimated aggregate levy from $12,000,000 to $10,000,000: moved by Member O'Gala, seconded by Butler; passed on roll call (12 in the affirmative on the amendment).

- Motion to approve the Community Mental Health Board estimated aggregate levy as amended ($10,000,000): moved by Newquist, seconded by Reavis; passed on roll call (21 in the affirmative).

Clarifications given in meeting

- Board members and the 708 board's executive director were reported to have provided an annual report and quarterly financials; several members said the executive director, Tina Mackey, had met with committees and been responsive to requests for information.

Next steps

Finance staff will reflect the $10 million estimate in levy documents. Board members seeking additional accountability said they will request financial and program outcome reports from the 708 board in upcoming committee meetings.