Clay County commissioners voted Dec. 30 to authorize county staff to sign the 2026 contract with Lakeland for the county’s nonsecure 30-day evaluation program, approving a requested 2% increase for professional services including psychiatric nursing and coordinated assessments.

James, who presented the item, said Lakeland has provided the county with the nonsecure evaluation program services for more than 25 years and requested what he described as a modest 2% increase from last year. He told the board that the change between last year’s and this year’s contract amounted to roughly a 2% increase and cited a per-unit figure and an approximate annual line amount, saying "it's about $52.79" and "about 86,000." He added that Lakeland had been "a very, very solid partner for us."

Commissioner Boyle disclosed that she serves as chair of the Lakeland board and described the organization as operating on narrow margins, saying the requested increase is intended to cover costs tied to caseload variability. Commissioners clarified the contract is a lump-sum agreement that the county pays, and counties using Lakeland’s services are charged proportionally.

Commissioner Bair moved to approve and sign the contract; Commissioner Ebinger seconded. The board voted 'aye' and the motion carried.

Next steps: staff will sign the 2026 Lakeland contract and include the contract amount in the county’s 2026 budget monitoring.