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Saratoga County committee approves $1.19 million transfer to cover court‑ordered outpatient restoration costs
Summary
The Health & Human Services Committee approved a $1,191,936 transfer from fund balance to cover state‑mandated outpatient restoration costs for individuals committed to New York State OMH facilities, citing unpredictable caseloads and high per‑day facility rates.
On July 7, 2026, the Saratoga County Health and Human Services Committee voted to transfer $1,191,936 from the county fund balance to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to cover costs tied to court‑ordered outpatient restoration for individuals committed to New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) facilities. The request was presented by Megan (staff member).
Megan told the committee the funds will cover updated cost of care, maintenance and services for three additional individuals the county courts ordered for outpatient restoration since the county’s 2026 budget submission. "This resolution authorizes the transfer of $1,191,936 from the Fund balance to cover updated cost of care, maintenance, and services of 3 additional individuals," Megan said.
The presenter explained the restoration process arises from criminal competency proceedings under the state criminal procedure process governing competency evaluations. She said two qualified examiners must determine competency and that defendants found not competent may be remanded to OMH forensic facilities for restoration before returning to county court.
Committee members pressed for details about the scope and timing. Megan said caseloads are unpredictable: at budget time there were three individuals in state facilities, and since then three more have been added, producing a current total of five. She described facility daily rates of about $1,200–$1,500 for adult facilities and up to $3,400 for juvenile settings, and said an individual who remained in placement for a full year could cost upwards of $500,000.
Members noted the financial strain on counties after a 2021 change cited in the presentation that shifted restoration costs to counties. Megan said that shift has driven increases in county expenditures and that statewide groups such as the New York State Association of Counties and local mental hygiene directors are advocating at the state level for changes to the funding model.
A motion from the table to approve the transfer was made and the committee recorded 'Aye' and 'That carries.' The transcript records the motion carried; the transcript does not include a numeric roll call or tally.
The approval amends the 2026 county budget to increase expenses and decrease fund balance by $1,191,936 to cover projected costs for the remainder of 2026. Committee members and staff noted the amount is a projection based on current placements and that costs could change if individuals are restored earlier than their maximum term.
The committee adjourned the discussion after the vote; members also agreed to consider avenues for county‑level advocacy to the state regarding the funding structure.
