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Shelton council accepts AWC grant to expand mobile integrated health team, approves interlocal with regional fire authority
Summary
At its Nov. 4 meeting the Shelton City Council accepted an Association of Washington Cities grant totaling about $168,774.97 to add two positions to a mobile integrated health program and authorized an interlocal agreement with North Mason Regional Fire Authority to host a certified peer support specialist.
Shelton City Council on Nov. 4 accepted an Association of Washington Cities grant of $168,774.97 to expand a mobile integrated health program and authorized an interlocal agreement with North Mason Regional Fire Authority to host a certified peer support specialist.
The grant, described by city manager Mark Ziegler as funding two staff positions, is “only applicable through 06/30/2026,” Ziegler said. He told the council the funding would support a certified peer support specialist and a behavioral health and homeless services systems coordinator who would provide outreach, crisis stabilization, recovery planning and system-level coordination to connect frequent users of emergency services with ongoing care. Ziegler described the program as one that “aims to increase rapid access to medical and mental health and substance use disorder care.”
The council voted Nov. 4 to waive the normal three-touch agenda rule and adopt the grant resolution (Resolution No. 1407-1025) so the city could begin billing against the grant immediately. Council later moved and adopted a related resolution (Resolution No. 1413-1025) authorizing the city manager to sign an interlocal agreement with North Mason Regional Fire Authority that memorializes the authority’s role in hiring and providing the peer support specialist and how the city will pay for that service through the AWC grant.
Abe Gardner of North Mason Regional Fire Authority, who participated in the presentation, said the program has been operating in North Mason for “3 years.” Shelton officials said the positions are designed to reduce repeat 911 calls and emergency department use by stabilizing individuals in place and connecting them to longer-term care.
Funding and timing: Ziegler said the grant covers the positions through June 30, 2026; he noted the city could seek other funding streams (including opioid settlement funds) if continued local support is needed after the grant term ends. The city will begin work immediately on hiring and program setup now that the grant acceptance and interlocal agreement have been authorized.
What council voted: The council moved to waive the three-touch rule and adopt Resolution No. 1407-1025 (grant acceptance) and later adopted Resolution No. 1413-1025 (authorizing the city manager to sign the interlocal agreement). Both votes were passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: City staff said the mobile integrated health model provides rapid, nonemergency responses for people with complex behavioral-health and social needs and can reduce strain on police, fire and hospital resources by addressing underlying care needs outside of emergency settings.
Next steps: Staff said they will proceed to hire the positions and begin program operations under the grant timeline, and will report back to council on program implementation and outcomes.
