Board approves Behavioral Health Advisory Board bylaws after debate over representation and oversight

The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors approved amended bylaws for the Behavioral Health Advisory Board (BHAB) on Feb. 25 after a lengthy discussion about membership, district representation and the BHAB’s role in reviewing behavioral‑health contracts and performance.

The revised bylaws reflect recent state statutory updates defining minimum composition of behavioral‑health advisory boards, including requirements for consumer and family representation, veterans’ representation and youth seats. During discussion supervisors and public speakers debated whether the board should require each supervisorial district to nominate BHAB members. County staff and BHAB leadership said the bylaws encourage geographic diversity but do not mandate district‑based appointments; the current practice routes applications through the clerk and the BHAB chair, with appointments returning to the Board of Supervisors for confirmation.

Board members also discussed public concerns about contract oversight and performance measurement. Supervisor Williams voiced frustration at not having easy access to contractor performance data and sought a clearer role for BHAB in examining outcomes. BHAB Chair Joe Bradley and other members described existing reporting to BHAB and invited supervisors and members of the public to raise specific data requests to the BHAB for study.

Board action: After debate the board voted to adopt the updated BHAB bylaws; the motion carried 4–1 with Supervisor Williams dissenting. Supporters said the bylaws reflect state guidance and will help BHAB continue oversight of specialized mental‑health programs.

Ending: Supervisors encouraged continued outreach to potential applicants and asked BHAB to consider ways to present performance and outcome measurements that are useful to supervisors and the public.