Commission calls for review of 1996 alcohol‑tax agreement with regional mental‑health providers

Commissioners discussed a longstanding 1996 agreement that directs county alcohol‑tax revenue to regional mental‑health providers, including Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center and Prairie Hills Recovery. Several commissioners said the automatic pass‑through arrangement should be revisited.

Commission staff reported the county currently provides a share of its annual alcohol‑tax receipts — historically a modest amount for Fallon County (figures mentioned in the meeting around $1,600–$2,000 in recent years). Commissioners questioned the utility of an agreement that obligates the county to pass funds without an annual accounting of services provided locally. One commissioner suggested amendment language to tie disbursements to utilization and reporting (for example, awarding funds based on the number of local clients served or documented services delivered in Fallon County).

Prairie Hills and Eastern Montana were scheduled to present updates to the commission on the 20th (meeting date referenced in the session) so commissioners can seek clarification about service levels, local presence and reporting. Multiple commissioners requested a written report from regional providers showing how county funds are used and whether some funds could be allocated to local public‑health or community programs if providers cannot demonstrate local service levels.

No final decision was taken during the session; commissioners agreed to gather additional information and to discuss amendments or budgeting options in advance of the next budget cycle.

Next steps: commissioners will meet with provider representatives on the scheduled date to review services, utilization and reporting; staff will prepare possible amendment language for the commission to consider at a later date.