Voters to decide on ADAMH levy increase

Voters in Franklin County will decide in November whether to OK an increased tax levy to help cover the costs of drug and mental health services in the community.

The Franklin County commissioners agreed Tuesday to place the 2.85-mill issue on the general election ballot for the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County.

The total includes an existing 5-year, 2.2-mill levy plus a 0.65-mill addition that would generate about $81 million annually and would cost homeowners about $83 ($60 for the existing, plus $22.75 for the additional) per $100,000 of value.

If approved, it would be the first increased ADAMH levy in nearly three decades. The existing levy provides about $60 million annually for the agency, which has an annual budget of more than $110 million.

ADAMH, which provides funding for dozens of area nonprofits, has dipped into its reserves in recent years to cover the annual costs of addiction and mental health services. The coronavirus pandemic has further spotlighted the need for the latter.

Last year, ADAMH served more than 135,000 people, up about 72% from levels when the most recent levy was renewed four years ago.

County Budget Director Zak Talarek said the levy total is less and for a shorter term than ADAMH’S original request, which was made before the coronavirus pandemic.

All three commissioners voted in favor of placing the issue before voters.

“We are in such a crisis of both addiction and mental health issues, as well as the pandemic, which has exacerbated everything …,” said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “I just think what (ADAMH is) doing is so important, and the minimal increase that you’re asking right now is so needed.”

Commissioner Kevin Boyce did voice concern about the timing, though, given the economic impact of COVID-19. He ultimately supported the resolution, giving voters the final decision.

“If we were voting on this as an increase on this now as a commissioner, I’d be voting no …,” Boyce said. “I’m really concerned that we just don’t have a feel for how 2020 is going to play out.” mkovac@dispatch.com @Ohiocapitalblog