Is this a new tax?
It is NOT a new tax. It is a RENEWAL of an existing tax approved by voters in 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021. The current 5-year approval ends December 31, 2026.
The Tri-County Mental Health & Recovery Levy has had a long history of strong support from our community. In 2021, voters overwhelmingly approved the measure, with almost 3 out of 4 voters in favor across Miami, Darke and Shelby Counties.
In 2006, 2011 and 2016, voters approved by similar strong margins.
What will the ballot language say?
The proposed ballot language has been submitted to the Miami County Board of Elections for review and approval. Pending approval, the ballot language will be:
PROPOSED TAX LEVY (RENEWAL)
TRI-COUNTY BOARD OF RECOVERY AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
SERVING DARKE, MIAMI AND SHELBY COUNTIES
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.
A RENEWAL of an existing six-tenths (0.6) mill tax for the benefit of Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services for the purpose of providing COUNSELING AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS through the operation of alcohol and drug addiction programs and mental health programs that the County Auditor estimates will collect $2,596,848.00 annually, at a rate not exceeding six-tenths (0.6) mill for each one dollar of valuation, which amounts to ten dollars for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value for a period of five years, commencing in 2027, first due in calendar year 2028.
FOR THE TAX LEVY
AGAINST THE TAX LEVY
What is the money from the levy used for?
Local funds ensure the availability of mental health and recovery services to all residents of Miami, Darke, and Shelby Counties — regardless of ability to pay — through a network of provider agencies.
Services include (but are not limited to): counseling; 24-hour crisis services; access to behavioral health hospitals and detox beds; medication-assisted treatment; supportive housing; criminal justice programs; suicide prevention; peer support; education and advocacy; prevention and wellness; community coalitions; and more.
Isn’t everything paid for by insurance or Medicaid?
While many clinical services are paid by private insurance or Medicaid, many other services are not. We refer to these services as what happens the “Other 23 Hours” in a day when a person is not in a clinical setting, that are critical to well-being and sustained recovery.
As an example, recovery homes are very expensive to operate and staff 24/7, and are not reimbursed by insurance.
Also, some people remain uninsured. Either policies lapse, they lose employment, or Medicaid has not yet been approved. In these cases, service providers contracted by the Board offer services on a sliding fee scale based on the person's ability to pay. No one is denied services due to inability to pay for them.
Are services available locally?
A wide range of mental health and recovery services are available in Miami, Darke, and Shelby Counties. The TriCounty Board is constantly working with local providers to close gaps in the “continuum of care.” Some highlyspecialized services may be provided in adjacent counties, but residents of Miami, Darke, and Shelby Counties have access to them through local providers and with the support of Tri-County Board funding. See tcbmds.org/resources for a listing of services.
How can I request a presentation for my organization or get answers to more questions?
Email ask@YESforMentalHealth.com, or call Brad Reed, Associate Director and Chief of Community Engagement, at 937-761-2443.