Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Supervisors: State stops paying for mental-health transports; local deputies bearing costs
Summary
Supervisors said a July 1 change means the state will no longer cover mental-health transports, forcing deputies to log overtime and prompting the board to explore contracts with providers and possible budget amendments.
A supervisor told the Crawford County Board of Supervisors that, effective July 1, the state has stopped paying for mental-health transports, a change that has increased overtime in the sheriff’s department and may require a county budget amendment to cover the cost.
"As of July 1, state no longer pays for mental health transports," said Supervisor Kyle, reporting information conveyed by a deputy. Board members said deputies have logged multiple overtime incidents because the county is now responsible for transport costs and that staff will research statutory language and regional options.
Supervisors discussed whether the county could contract with regional mental-health providers — for example, the YES Center or Iowa Primary Care — to reduce sheriff overtime and mileage costs. "Can we contract with them as a county to lessen our cost instead of having deputies do it at, whatever, $40 an hour?" Kyle asked, prompting a commitment from staff to follow up.
The board did not take formal action. Members asked county staff to gather the exact statutory citation, estimate fiscal impact (overtime and mileage), and report back so supervisors can consider a budget amendment or alternative contracting arrangements at a future meeting.
