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Pitkin County advances local cost‑sharing MOU to stabilize PACT co‑responder team
Summary
The Pitkin County commissioners approved on first reading a memorandum of understanding to share local costs for the PACT co‑responder team with Aspen and Snowmass Village, intended to shore up an otherwise grant‑dependent behavioral health response program.
Pitkin County commissioners on Feb. 11 approved on first reading a memorandum of understanding to share local costs for the PACT co‑responder team, a multidisciplinary response unit that assists law enforcement and emergency responders on behavioral‑health calls.
Raleigh Bacharach, PACT administrator, told the board the program has operated on unstable grant funding since its inception and proposed that Pitkin County, the City of Aspen and the Town of Snowmass Village each contribute locally to sustain staffing and operations. He said the MOU lays out percentage cost‑sharing logic tied to calls for service and PACT utilization and would allow the program to maintain a full team if grants fall short.
Cat Bush, PACT team lead and clinician, said local funding would provide essential stability for hiring and retention. “We’ve had to limit hiring and prioritize positions because of funding uncertainty,” she said, adding that local contributions would increase flexibility and leverage grant opportunities.
Sheriff Michael (last name not specified in the record) and other public‑safety partners supported the proposal, describing PACT as a critical partner that reduces burdens on patrol officers and improves outcomes on mental‑health calls.
Commissioners discussed using public health reserves to supply 2026 county funds and noted the City of Aspen had already approved its share; Snowmass Village may need a budget supplemental. The board voted to approve the MOU on first reading and set a public hearing and second reading for Feb. 25.
Next steps: final MOU edits, interjurisdictional signatures and possible budgeting adjustments in partner jurisdictions before the MOU takes effect for the 2026 budget year.
