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Board adopts FY27 asset funder priorities; adds note on mental health and disability services
Summary
Supervisors approved the county’s FY27 asset funder priorities, renaming three categories and adding rent as an essential basic need. The board included a note that mental health and disability services will not be funded through asset dollars at this time pending legal clarification.
The Story County Board of Supervisors approved revised asset funder priorities for fiscal year 2027 during the Aug. 19 meeting, renaming the three priority categories and adding clarifications about mental health and disability services.
Staff presenter Sandra asked the board to adopt priorities that will guide volunteer review of agency funding requests in January and to share the priorities with agencies preparing budget requests in September. The three revised categories are: Essential Basic Needs (renamed; specifically adding rent assistance for consideration), Financial Stability and Empowerment, and Education and Youth Development.
On the question of using asset (county) funds for mental health and disability services, the board discussed recent legislative changes and uncertainty about where counties may legally fund those services. Board members and staff said the prior statutory restriction had been sunsetted but that the board lacks clarity about funding mechanisms and whether county asset dollars—sourced from the general fund—may be used. Supervisors directed staff to add a note to the priorities indicating that mental health and disability services are priorities but will not be funded with asset dollars at this time until the board receives clarifying legal guidance (including consultation at the upcoming ISAC conference). The board approved the priorities with that added note by voice vote.
Direct quote: “I personally think that might be the better route to go,” a supervisor said when discussing postponing asset funding decisions for mental health until legal clarification is obtained. The board agreed that if statewide guidance indicates flexibility later, the priorities could be amended.
