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County accepts state BCHIP award to expand crisis‑response capacity; board asks for use details
Summary
Sierra County accepted a BCHIP award offering roughly $50,000 annually (potentially two years) to support crisis‑response capacity such as a vehicle; the board authorized acceptance but asked behavioral-health staff to return with details and cost estimates amid capacity concerns.
The board voted to accept a state Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BCHIP) award that will provide approximately $50,000 per year to the county for crisis‑response infrastructure, potentially covering a vehicle and related operating costs.
Cheryl Prince McMillan, the county’s behavioral‑health director, described the award as money redistributed by the state from leftover COVID and mobile‑unit funds; the state will pay for the vehicle and associated allowable costs, and the county must return invoices for reimbursement. "They're giving us 50,000 a year to support either or buying a new vehicle in addition to its associated costs," the director said, adding the length of the award depends on county participation statewide.
One supervisor said he would vote against the acceptance because of concern that the county lacks capacity to provide services tied to a new vehicle, even if the funding is free. Other board members urged the director to clarify how the funds will be used and to report back with the expected costs, operational plan and limitations (for example, the award funds cannot be used out of state). The motion to accept the award passed; staff will return with final vehicle selection and cost details for board approval.
