Boulder County’s Mental Health Tax: How Funds Are Being Divided

The county council has decided how to use most of the money raised by a new 0. 15% sales tax that will run for three years. The tax, approved by voters last fall, is expected to bring in about $40 million total or roughly $13 million each year. The goal is to fund a wide range of mental health and substance‑use programs. Before voting, the council held a public hearing where many people voiced frustration. They felt the process was too slow and that voters’ trust could be lost if money is not used quickly. One former mental‑health director warned that delaying the funding would mean people in need could be left without help. The council approved $3. 3 million for a local health clinic that treats people with urgent behavioral issues. They also gave $1, 025, 000 to a homeless shelter for case management and wrap‑around services. A separate $200, 000 went to a program that helps young adults who are no longer homeless. Next year and the following, the council will keep $1. 5 million and $1. 6 million for crisis‑intervention staff. These jobs are normally funded by federal relief money that will end in December, so the county is making sure they stay.Competitive grants received $5. 1 million. Three categories were agreed on: $2 million for outpatient services, $1 million for community peer support, and $1. 1 million for prevention and training. The fourth category, meant to fund innovative programs for high‑need groups, was not settled. One council member wanted more money for youth only, while another insisted adult programs should stay included. The council also discussed giving $1. 6 million to two school districts and $400, 000 for a sober‑living program. Some members asked for more money to support mental‑health centers in schools and to keep services outside of school settings. The remaining unallocated money will be debated further, with ideas like extra youth services or direct help for a local equality organization. The council will meet again on Thursday at 9 a. m. to finish these decisions and set up a committee that will review how well the programs work.