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Benton County to review mental‑health region MOU after state district reassignment; staff flag possible job impacts
Summary
County staff reported that Benton County and two other counties are being reassigned out of a regional mental‑health district; an MOU addressing transition arrangements was discussed, including possible retention of one county employee as a county staffer with reimbursement and uncertainty over year‑end budget payouts.
Benton County supervisors were briefed on a memorandum of understanding tied to changes in the regional mental‑health structure and on the county’s options after reassignment to a different district.
Staff told the board that the regional organization had agreed to allow three counties — Benton and two others named in the packet — to leave the existing region because the counties are being assigned to a different state district. The county forwarded the MOU to legal staff (Ray), who reviewed it and “didn’t see the hurry,” according to staff; Ray recommended ensuring fiscal year‑end obligations were settled before any change in membership.
Officials said budget approval for the region’s year‑end payout had not yet been finalized, creating uncertainty about how departing counties will be settled financially. Staff noted the MOU contemplates transition arrangements and that one current regional employee might remain employed by the county; the county would be reimbursed for that employee for at least one year if that option is used.
Staff told supervisors they will circulate the MOU to board members and invite the region representative to the next meeting to answer detailed questions. The board did not take final action at the meeting; staff requested time for review and follow‑up.
