Mental health tax levy needed to combat state cuts, officials say

By William K. Alcorn

YOUNGSTOWN — Renewal of the Mahoning County Mental Health Board’s five-year, 0.85-mill property tax levy is essential to avoid cuts in programs for mentally ill residents, county mental health officials say.

It is not a new or an additional tax, and is desperately needed, especially in the face of cuts in state and federal funding, they add.

The 0.85-mill levy was first passed in 1976, and was replaced in 2003, the only local increase in funding since 1976, said Ronald A. Marian, mental health board executive director.

The board has two local levies: One, the 0.85-mill on the Nov. 4 general election ballot; and the other, a five-year, 0.5-mill levy. Together, the levies generate about $4 million a year.

Other major funding sources are $6.8 million through the state Department of Mental Health; $5.4 million in federal Medicaid money, and other earmarked funds for which the board serves as a pass through, giving it a fiscal 2008 budget of $17.3 million, said Toni Notaro, board administrative director.

The Mahoning County Mental Health Board has experienced flat funding levels from the state over the last four years. This year, it has received a $130,000 cut in state funding and another reduction is expected in January 2009.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.