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Trust discusses adding behavioral care center to watch list; consultants to evaluate costs
Summary
Trustees discussed adding a behavioral care center to the watch list to identify operational costs and funding sources; a consultant visit and a meeting on Dec. 16 were scheduled to firm up cost estimates and funding pathways, with construction targeted to be complete by Dec. 2026.
Trustees on Dec. 9 debated whether to place a proposed behavioral care center on the county watch list so staff could identify operational costs and potential funding sources. The evaluation committee and staff said they have scheduled a meeting for Dec. 16 to gather details the board will need to estimate short‑term operating expenses.
Staff reported that a consultant contact will visit the provider in Nashville on Dec. 15 to better understand the facility and the services that will be required; the consultant work would inform a short consulting engagement (three to six months) followed by a full contract once the facility is operating. Staff emphasized the county currently has no budgeted operational funds for the center this fiscal year and said early consultant work may be minimal-cost or no-cost until the facility begins operations.
Trustees discussed potential funding options, including identifying grant funds and considering the estimates-of-need process in March to identify half-year funding (January–June) if operations begin in January. One trustee noted the need to evaluate staffing, meals, medication, and billing arrangements and cautioned that funding identified for the construction phase may not cover ongoing operating expenses.
Board offices agreed to continue advancing planning and to keep the item on the watch list until staff present a dollar figure the board can act on during the estimates of need process.
