AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2022-185R, approving an Interlocal Agreement with Hill Country Community Health & Mental Retardation Center D/B/A Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers (“HCMHDD”) for the provision of services including a qualified mental health professional from HCMHDD to be assigned to the San Marcos Police Department’s Mental Health Unit and authorizing use of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) funds previously approved for this project in an amount not to exceed $425,000.00 to pay for these services through the calendar year 2026; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute the agreement on behalf of the City; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: August 16, 2022
Department: Police Department
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: 2021 American Rescue Plan Act
Account Number: 10002141 - 52230
Funds Available: 425,000
Account Name: Professional Services
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: City Council approved the second tranche of ARPA funds, including allocations for the Crisis Specialist, on July 5, 2022. ARPA funds shall not exceed $425,000 for the duration of this ILA.
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Background Information:
The Police Department desires to create a community-based initiative of experienced professionals to engage individuals experiencing crises related to behavioral health. The Department currently staffs a Mental Health Unit (MHU), comprised of three sworn employees, all of whom are Master Peace Officers who are also certified Mental Health Peace Officers. The Department seeks a co-responder capability, wherein Hill Country will provide a certified, master’s level crisis specialist, who will be embedded in the MHU. This specialist will office with the MHU and respond to field calls, therein providing immediate crisis services to those in need. Additionally, when the MHU is not tasked with a call for service, the Unit will work proactively to prevent crisis through active case management. The crisis specialist will be employed by Hill Country, but the City of San Marcos will cover the employee’s salary and benefits/costs by utilizing ARPA funds through calendar year 2026. In 2026, all stakeholders will evaluate the success of the program and identify continued funding to either sustain the program, or cancel it.
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends the City Council approve the ILA so the Department and Hill Country can move forward with a co-responder mental health unit.