Commissioners start process to put ADAMHS board renewal levy on ballot

The Lake County commissioners started the process to put a renewal levy for the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services board on a May 8 primary election ballot.

The 0.7-mill levy would generate about $4 million annually and cost Lake County homeowners $21.44 annually per $100,000 home valuation. Voters would be asked to renew the levy for an additional 10 years.

According to a letter from ADAMHS Board Executive Director Kimberly Fraser to the commissioners, the levy was first approved by voters in 1989, renewed in 1999 and was replaced in 2008.

Without renewal, the levy would cease collection at the end of 2018.

Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy said the ADAMHS Board has “been on the forefront” of dealing with the ongoing opioid crisis as well as mental health issues.

“We’ve been very progressive on addressing these issues and dealing with the unfortunate circumstances that exist in our society today,” Troy said.

At their most recent meeting, the commissioners passed a resolution requesting the Lake County Auditor to certify the total current tax valuation of the county and the dollar amount of revenue generated by the levy.

After that process is complete, the commissioners will approve another resolution to formally put the levy on the ballot.

“Certainly this levy is absolutely needed for them to continue the work that they do and I strongly support its placement on the ballot and passage,” Troy said.