An unnamed regional representative told the Jackson County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 23 that the regional mental‑health board’s final budget came in positive and that the region will return $396,344 to the state. The representative said the region is dissolving and services are shifting to DAP and ASO providers, which has left unresolved funding gaps for clients who need short‑term rent assistance or help paying insurance deductibles.

Why it matters: County officials said the change could leave people “in limbo” while new providers assume responsibilities. Supervisors expressed frustration that services expected to start Jan. 1 did not begin as anticipated and cautioned the state transition could create local unfunded mandates the county will feel.

What was said: “We did come out in the positive. We are returning funds to the state for the amount of $396,344,” said an unnamed regional representative during the update (first remarks at SEG 048). The same speaker outlined two common gaps experienced after the transition: (1) the new ASO and DAP do not cover short‑term rent assistance previously used to place clients into 24‑hour settings before Social Security or disability benefits begin; and (2) if clients have insurance, the ASO and DAP will not supplement deductibles or co‑pays—leaving some people unable to afford treatment.

Supervisors’ reaction: Chair Don Swicker and others described the transition as “difficult” and criticized a lack of timely engagement by new contractors. A board member noted a new State HHS director, Larry Johnson, introduced himself at a recent forum but did not remain for the substantive discussion. Board members repeatedly characterized the situation as an unfunded mandate and cautioned about county budget implications, including past property‑tax adjustments that reduced the local levy rate.

Context and next steps: The regional representative said the regional entity will dissolve (transcribed as “the 30 first of this month”) and that the county will continue to press state leaders and the new contractors to resolve gaps. The board did not direct a formal county action at the meeting; supervisors said they will continue to monitor the transition and raise concerns with state officials and the providers.

Who spoke (as identified in the transcript): an Unidentified regional representative (first at SEG 048), Chair Don Swicker, Lynn Fluego and Mike Stites.

Ending: County officials said they will keep advocating to mitigate service interruptions while continuing routine county operations and budgeting work.