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County adopts Behavioral Health Services Act plan and discusses loan-repayment options as new federal revenue arrives
Summary
Supervisors adopted the BHSA integrated plan, shifting program allocations into mandated buckets (FSP, BHSS, housing), and directed staff to return with a proposed seven-year repayment plan for the department's General Fund loan after identifying recurring federal Medi-Cal admin/QI revenue.
The Board adopted Lake County's Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) integrated plan for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29 and authorized submission and required certifications to the state. The plan implements state requirements that reconfigure prior MHSA allocations into three primary buckets: full-service partnerships (35 percent), behavioral health services and supports (35 percent) and housing (30 percent). Director Elise Jones said the county's total allocation for FY26-27 is estimated at about $7.7 million, but acknowledged the revenue is volatile and dependent on high-earner tax receipts.
The department noted several program changes required by BHSA: the county will prioritize intensive, fidelity-driven evidence-based programs (for example assertive community treatment and coordinated specialty care) and will re-integrate peer support into clinical teams rather than continuing county-run peer-run wellness centers that do not align with BHSA buckets.
Separately, Behavioral Health staff reported progress drawing down a newly-eligible administrative/quality-improvement (QA/QI) Medi-Cal claim stream estimated at roughly $1 million annually once processed. Staff proposed repayment scenarios for the existing General Fund loan and asked for board direction. Supervisors expressed support for a longer repayment horizon (seven years) with quarterly reporting, flexibility for lump-sum repayments if additional federal revenue arrives, and consideration of a simple prospective interest rate if the board chooses to include interest.
Public commenters urged the county to preserve community-based prevention and early-intervention services (perinatal screenings and peer-based outreach) and asked about leases for closed peer centers; staff said some site continuity is being maintained as programs transition and invited direct follow-up on data-harvesting and client privacy concerns. The board adopted the plan and associated certifications by resolution.
