Board approves year‑one Marcus Alert co‑response position funded by state grant

The Board of Supervisors voted July 21 to participate in a Marcus Alert pilot that pairs a law enforcement deputy with a behavioral health clinician to respond to mental‑health crisis calls. The state‑funded grant covers salary and benefits for a full‑time deputy for one year; the sheriff's office said the county would provide office space, radio access and a vehicle from its existing fleet as in‑kind contributions.

"The funding has been approved to the amount of $94,000 per fiscal year to be disseminated monthly to the sheriff's office for funding of this position," a Marcus Alert coordinator said while describing the grant mechanics. Supervisors acknowledged the program is grant‑dependent and that if future funding lapses the sheriff would revert to the prior model. The board approved an MOU and resolution to accept the first‑year funding and to participate in the partnership with Piedmont Community Services.

Several supervisors noted training and overtime implications but said the model — a deputy paired with a clinician for daytime coverage — has shown regional success and that the grant offers an opportunity to improve crisis response without a local personnel match in year one. The vote was unanimous by roll call.