Iowa changes mental health regions

VINTON — Mae Hingtgen of the State’s East Central Mental Health Region updated the Benton County supervisors last week about the restructuring of mental health services in the state.

The Iowa Legislature has reduced the number of Mental Health and Disability Service regions from 13 to seven. The 19 substance abuse services have been reduced to seven behavioral health districts.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the legislation May 15.

“A lot’s going to happen obviously in the next year,” Hingtgen said. Fiscal Year 2025 will be first of two transition years.

A map of the final district borders has to be approved by Aug. 1. Public input may be given in July.

Hingtgen presented the first proposed map. It keeps seven legacy counties together on the map. Benton County’s region currently has nine counties. The new district adds 10 counties with social services to the west.

The new region has 17 counties.

Hingtgen said mental health officials are concerned that the proposed map takes Johnson and Iowa Counties away from the current region. This impacts the unique relationship between Linn and Johnson Counties through The Corridor.

No other area in Iowa has urban counties like Linn and Johnson Counties, said Hingtgen. Johnson County is also the fiscal agent, and there’s a supportive relationship between Johnson and Iowa Counties.

Hingtgen has asked Health and Human Services to keep Linn and Johnson Counties with this region and to add western counties in proposed region to the north-central region.

The new bill also sets up administrative services organizations. Hingtgen said there are a lot of unknowns now in the structure and questions about whether services will be county based.

Other business

Supervisors approved a pay change and classification change for Chad Galli, secondary roads. His new pay rate is $26.58 per hour.

Caleb Stieferman, with secondary roads, will have a new pay rate of $26.45, and Ben Wood, secondary roads will be paid $27 per hour.

Sue Wilber, Human Resources director, presented an offer letter for Benjamin Vierling, as assistant county engineer. The requested salary is $92,000.

Vierling will start May 28.

The board discussed a line item for fuel card expenses for a county pool car. Auditor Hayley Rippel was concerned about the card being abused and how many cards would be needed.

Supervisors also discussed who would pay the insurance.

Sheriff Ron Tippett said the county board would need to set up a fund for maintenance and repairs. He said work needs to be done before this is feasible.

The county pays 68 cents per mile for mileage, Tippett said. Wilber said using a fuel card and pool vehicle will save the county money.

The board signed contingent offer letters that are subject to the board for final approval.

Supervisor Richard Primmer suggested reaching out to other counties who use pool cars, such has Hardin and Mahaska Counties. Tippett said he’s reach out to Hardin County on their policy.

Action was tabled.