Lake County supervisors unanimously authorize chair to oppose proposed shift of mobile‑crisis costs to counties

The Lake County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Jan. 27 to authorize the chair to sign a letter urging the state to preserve mobile crisis services as a statewide Medi‑Cal benefit and to oppose a budget change that would transfer the non‑federal share of that benefit onto counties.

Supervisor Paiske moved the authorization during the governance workshop after Behavioral Health Director Elise Jones warned that a proposed state budget could force counties to absorb significant new costs for mobile crisis services. "Should that come to pass, it would be a budget challenge that would likely be solved for by a reduction in services," Jones told the board.

The motion was seconded and carried on a 5–0 voice vote. The board recorded the action as a formal authorization for the chair to sign the advocacy letter; staff said the chair will transmit the letter to state decision‑makers and copy the board clerk for the meeting record.

Board members who spoke during the discussion emphasized the local need for mobile crisis outreach, especially in supervisorial districts that lack peer support centers. Some supervisors expressed concern about the fiscal tradeoffs when state funding shifts could imperil other local priorities.

Ending: The board’s letter authorizing the chair to act is expected to be transmitted as a near‑term advocacy step; staff will provide the board with a copy of the final letter and next steps for state engagement.