Board accepts regional mental‑health grant contracts; staff outlines potential state cost shifts

Nicollet County’s Health and Human Services department reported two contract approvals tied to the South Central Community Based Initiative and briefed the board on proposed state budget changes that could shift new costs to county taxpayers.

Contracts and short-term funds: HHS director Cassie (last name not recorded in the transcript) presented a purchase-of-service agreement through the South Central Community Based Initiative, a joint powers board that coordinates adult mental health initiative and crisis grants for a 10‑county region that includes Nicollet. Through that initiative the county receives reimbursements for case management, community support program services and funding for a local clubhouse. Cassie reported that in the February 2024 reporting period the clubhouse served about 70 members, made more…