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Officials warn governor's proposed budget could shift disability waiver and behavioral health costs to Isanti County
Summary
County health and human services staff told commissioners the governor's budget could increase local costs for disability waivers, MSOP civil commitments and behavioral health programs, potentially requiring levy increases and prompting further advocacy.
Isanti County health and human services staff said a governor's budget proposal under review could shift substantial new costs to the county for disability waiver services, civil commitments and behavioral health treatment.
Amanda (county staff), speaking at the Feb. 25 meeting, said Isanti County has about 600 people eligible for disability waivers and roughly 134 receiving residential waiver services. Staff calculated that a proposed 5% county cost shift on disability waiver residential services would add about $944,570 to the county levy. “That would represent a levy add of $944,570 — quite a substantial amount,” Amanda said.
The county reported 80 individuals are currently awaiting new assessments to determine eligibility; case‑assessment wait times were described as more than four months. Staff said local provider capacity is more limited than in metropolitan areas, which increases reliance on residential settings for high‑need clients.
Behavioral health and secure civil commitment costs also drew attention. Emily Hawkins, behavioral health supervisor, said the county currently pays about $72,601 annually for court‑ordered commitments at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program (MSOP) for five people; under the governor's proposal a larger county share could raise that bill to about $193,603 annually. Hawkins also estimated an average annual increase of about $26,540 to the county behavioral health fund under the proposal.
Officials stressed these are governor's proposed figures, not final law. Commission staff, AMC and partner agencies are monitoring bill drafts and legislative changes closely. Commissioners discussed advocacy and possible letters to the legislature to clarify funding responsibilities.
Next steps: county staff and professional organizations will continue to monitor legislative developments and may send further comments or advocacy letters if the proposals remain in final legislation.
