Plumas County is returning $263,073 in mental health funds to the state of California, marking what officials hope will be the final “fund reversion.” This funding was intended for a mental health innovation program for the fiscal years 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, which allows counties to propose new projects aimed at improving local mental health services. However, Kyle Hardee, administrative services officer with the Plumas County Behavioral Health Department, indicated that the county could not develop a proposal that met the state’s stringent criteria.
The funds stem from California Proposition 63, approved by voters in November 2004, which aims to enhance county mental health service systems across the state. To qualify for innovation funding, counties need to demonstrate that their proposals are unique compared to those in the other 57 counties, a requirement that has proven challenging. Supervisor Mimi Hall noted the complexity of the state rules and clarified that the inability to utilize the funds did not stem from a lack of effort or consideration.
Despite the setback, Hall acknowledged the significant mental health needs within Plumas County and expressed a desire to better utilize these funds in the future. The state is currently working on new guidelines for the use of Proposition 63 funds, and Hardee mentioned that there are plans for innovative projects moving forward.
In addition to the returned funds, Plumas County has faced over $512,326 in penalties, late fees, and other fines in the past five years, which includes notable payments by the assessor’s office and the behavioral health department. These figures were highlighted by Rick Foster, a local resident and public watchdog, who has been advocating for transparency regarding these financial issues. He has repeatedly requested that the Board of Supervisors address these payments in a meeting, and Chairman Kevin Goss has agreed to include it on a future agenda.
