At the June 5, 2024 commission meeting, the commission voted 8-1 to place the Mental Health and Public Safety Protection Tax Renewal and Restoration on the 2024 general election ballot.The ICH Measure was first passed by voters in 2017 by a 2-to-1 margin and expanded community mental health and public safety services, increasing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment by 109 percent across Washtenaw County and investing $5.3 million in diversion and deflection programs.
The commission began discussing the renewal and restoration of the levy during a work session on March 6 and has deliberated through eight subsequent meetings, receiving a great deal of public input from both those in favor and against the levy.
“Throughout this process, the board prioritized public input and ensured the community’s voice was heard at multiple meetings and town halls over a four-month period across Washtenaw County.” Commissioner Justin Hodge, District 5, board chair; “The Mental Health and Public Safety Tax Act has had a tremendous impact on our community by supporting programs that help families help their children, stop retaliatory violence, and increase access to critical mental health services. As a social worker and professor of social work, I understand the importance of mental health awareness, crisis response programs, and supportive housing initiatives. I encourage voters to learn all they can about this tax act before voting in November.”
The commission voted to keep the original funding allocation in place, with 38 percent going to the sheriff’s office, 38 percent to community mental health, and 24 percent to reimburse cities and towns that have their own police forces.
“I am proud to have been one of the authors of the Mental Health and Public Safety Act, which was first placed on the ballot in 2017. I have always believed in the importance of a thorough and inclusive process, and hearing input from the community was paramount in refining and improving this bill.” District 7 Commissioner Andy LaBarre; “I have remained committed to ensuring that the Board develops proposals that reflect the needs and concerns of all our community members. Our collaborative work over the past four months has enabled us to develop policies we can all support that will continue to have a significant positive impact on our community for years to come.”
In parallel with deliberations on the levy, the commission has also been working in parallel to develop a tax expenditure ordinance, which is an internal policy that dictates how the funds will be spent and managed. Commissioner Annie Somerville, District 6, has led the effort to amend the public safety section of the ordinance, focusing on mental health and behavioral health services, rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing, and programs for people who help stop violence in our community.
“The changes I have proposed to the ordinance are a best effort to cater to both those who want to maintain the tax rate as is and those who want to put more funding into mental health and person-centered needs.” District 6 Commissioner Annie Somerville; “By addressing the current issues facing our community through this ordinance, we aimed to bring the levy up to date and ensure it meets the changing needs of our community.”
For more information about programs funded by Community Mental Health, 2022 Tax Impact Statement The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office Mirage Investment and Impact Report.
