By A. Kevin Corvo

Franklin County voters are being asked on the Nov. 4 ballot to approve a 10-year, 3.35-mill levy on the Nov. 4 ballot for the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADAMH) Broad of Franklin County.

Appearing as Issue 1 on the ballot for all Franklin County voters, the levy is a continuation of the current five-year levy voters approved in 2020 with a modest increase.

The measure is crucial to continue providing mental-health services to the approximately 90,000 Franklin County residents, across all demographics, who receive services each year through more than 50 supporting agencies, said Anthony Perry, chief finance officer of the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board of Franklin County.

“It’s an investment in the social safety net and has a tangible value,” in our community, Perry said.

As proposed, the 10-year, 3.35-mill levy would generate $68.91 annually per $100,000 in property tax evaluation and would represent an increase of $17.50 annually, per $100,000 in property tax evaluation, effective Jan. 1, 2027.

The current ADAMH levy is a five-year, 2.85-mill levy that expires Dec. 31, 2026.

The proposed levy asks for a renewal of the 2.85-mill levy with a 0.5-mill increase, for a 10-year period, effective Jan. 1, 2027.

“There is a lot of need in our community for the services we provide as one in four people in Franklin County suffer from mental illness,” Perry said.

“There is a good chance someone you know are using these services,” Perry said.

A reliable source of local funding is critical as 75 percent of the operating costs of ADAMH of Franklin County are through the levy, according to Perry.

The balance of the revenue it receives, through grants and is not a certainty, Perry said.

“We are seeking only a modest increase to continue to provide current services (but also) to fund expanded services,” started since the last levy request, Perry said.

These include fully staffing the Franklin County Crises Center, at 465 Harmon Avenue, in Franklinton, that opened Sept. 2.

He center currently has beds for short-term stabilization and pharmacy services but future phases call for urgent care, an inpatient psychiatric unit and family resource center.

A mobile crises team that responds to certain mental health crises in lieu of police began operations last year, and the 988 Suicide and Crises Lifeline began operations in 2022.

“These levy funds ensure our family members, friends and neighbors with behavioral challenges and diagnoses receive the most appropriate care, and are stabilized in the community, and ultimately live more productive, healthier lives,” said Shelly Hoffman, senior director of communications and public affairs for the ADAMH Board of Franklin County.