September 12, 2011

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in special joint session with the Linn and Johnson County Boards of Supervisors in Johnson County. Chairman Buch called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with Supervisors Buch and Vermedahl present. Supervisor Sanders was attending another meeting.

The purpose of the joint meeting was to discuss the regionalization of the county mental health service system. Legislation was enacted requiring the redesign of the mental health system. The legislation requires that regional areas be developed with various criteria, i.e. population, service facilities, etc. Linn County and Johnson County proposed that a region be developed consisting of Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, and Linn counties. Benton County’s current mental health has an annual budget of $2 million plus.

There was discussion on how the system would function and the duties of the various counties. Linn County Supervisor Langston commented that the stated counties have a lot of other commonalities, including the judicial district and the council of governments. Langston expressed concern on the funding of the regional services and that making it equitable between the counties would take considerable work and cooperation.

It was decided that each county should state their intent as to whether they were interested in joining the proposed region, with Johnson County being the central contact.

Moved by Vermedahl, seconded by Buch, to adjourn. Motion carried at 8:15 p.m. Additional meeting minutes of the discussion are available from the Johnson County Auditor’s office as the overall meeting was a Johnson County board meeting.

___________________________________

Ronald R. Buch, Chairman

Attest: ______________________________________

Jill Marlow, Benton County Auditor

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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING Agenda 9/20/11

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