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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Council November 24 1986WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING November 24, 1986 7:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice - Chairman Roehl with all Council members present. PUBLIC HEARING ON WHATCOM COUNTY PROPOSED BUDGET AND FEDERAL SHARED REVENUE BUDGET FOR 1987 Roehl summarized the Finance Committee's recommended changes to the Executive's proposed budget. Roehl opened the public hearing. Marty Gross President -Elect of Catholic Community Services Northwest Advisory Board Stated that proposed reduction in funding to Mental Health would handicap mental health services in County; discussed need for children's mental health services; urged County to fund Mental Health at its requested level of $200,000. Brother Thomas Shaughnessy Catholic Community Services Northwest Stated that Catholic Community Services Northwest has been losing money in past years; requested that County fund Mental Health services at requested level of $200,000. Lynnell Lewis Womencare Shelter Thanked Council for budgeting funds for Womencare Shelter; urged continued support. Don Berg Whatcom County Counseling and Psychiatric Clinic Discussed his agency's budget and staff problems and the need for emergency services for persons with no source of funding other than that provided by County. Peggy Ball, Executive Director Mental Health /Drug Abuse Reviewed her department's budget process; stated that the proposed reduction would be devastating to mental health services. November 24, 1986 Page 2 Andy Peach, President, Board of Directors Lake Whatcom Treatment Center Stated that mental health is a local problem and a primary area of need; not funding local mental health programs creates a drain on the community in other areas. Jon Ostlund Public Defender Requested an additional $5,000 for his department's professional services budget; also asked to transfer $3,000 from salary savings created through personnel changes to the professional services category. Katie Casey, Executive Director Whatcom County Crisis Services Discussed need for funding for mental health services in general. Ann Nelson Commended County road crew for their work during the flooding; County road money is well spent. Rick Dudley Lake Whatcom Treatment Center Discussed the history of his institution; explained that while the number of his clients is rising, funding for services is decreasing. There was no further testimony, and the public hearing was closed. The Council briefly discussed budget issues. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. ATTEST: WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON W, 2, &, t"I -A416.-2,9,04 Carol Ebergson William P. Roehl, ice Chair Clerk of the Counc'1 Finance Committee Chair