Board decries cuts to funding

YOUNGSTOWN – Mahoning County mental-health officials blasted what they called a lack of leadership at the state level as they announced $1.2 million in cuts to the board's five core agencies.

The Mahoning County Mental Health Board is dealing with a $3.1 million loss in revenue for fiscal year 2010 (July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010).

“The state is struggling mightily. It’s an ugly situation for us,” said Rick Keyse, board president, at Thursday’s board meeting.

Ronald Marion, mental health board executive director, was blunt.

“The governor first put $100 million in federal stimulus money aside for mental health; then $60 million, and then zero dollars. I’m not happy with state government,” he said.

“Somewhere between Columbus and Youngstown, the $1.8 million in federal stimulus money we thought we would get, got lost,” Marian said.

“The governor said he wanted to save children, and the elderly and schools, but only schools made out. The elderly and the children were left out,” said Marian.

“The state has shirked its duty. It gave $82 million to hospitals. Universities and hospitals have the ability to raise their prices. ... we don’t. We serve families and children who can’t pay. This is the worst budget process I’ve gone through in the 35 years I’ve been here,” Marian said.

The board was slated to approve the fiscal year 2010 budget Thursday but, because of a lack of a quorum, postponed the vote until the board’s Sept. 7 meeting.

The major revenue losses over fiscal year 2009 announced Thursday are:

U$1.8 million reduction in revenue from the Ohio Department of Mental Health used primarily by the Mahoning board as a local Medicaid match.

U$700,000 reduction in revenue from the state primarily used here to pay for hospital beds at state facilities and for local services.

U$600,000 reduction in federal and state grants and miscellaneous funding.

The head of Turning Point, Joseph A. Sylvester, said its like a perfect storm.

“We have the highest unemployment rates and a whole new group of people needing services, and the state cuts our funding. The state has let the community down,” he said.

alcorn@vindy.com

The Mahoning County Mental Health Board, forced to absorb the loss of $3.1 million in state funding, is cutting funding to its core agencies by about $1.2 million. The cuts are:

Burdman Group, $289,625.

D and E Counseling Center, $253,867.

Help Hotline Crisis Center, $51,087,

Meridian Services, $34,919.

Turning Point Counseling Services, $576,794.

Source: Mahoning County Mental Health Board.