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Why government agencies can now apply for St. Charles mental health funding

With a history of predominantly funding nonprofits, the St. Charles 708 mental health board now also will accept applications from government agencies that directly serve residents.

The city council voted 5-3 earlier this month to approve a policy change that helps clarify the 708 board's practice for awarding mental health funding. But some opponents of the measure questioned whether a unit of government is an appropriate grant recipient.

A portion of the property taxes levied by the city each year goes toward funding programs related to mental illnesses, developmental disabilities and substance abuse prevention. The 708 board vets applications from community organizations and recommends how that money should be distributed.

However, the board's guidelines for whether a group should qualify have been inconsistent over the years, Chairwoman Carolyn Waibel said.

In 2016-17, for example, the city's police department was awarded about $15,000 to help pay for a part-time social worker through a partnership with the Aurora-based Association for Individual Development. Before that, some money had been allocated for mental health programs in St. Charles Unit District 303.

But the 708 board later adopted a practice of not funding government entities, Waibel said, and for years, members have been focusing solely on agencies with 501(c) (3) status.

The police department and the Kane County sheriff's office recently expressed interest in seeking funding for their own mental health initiatives, both of which have ties to nonprofit organizations, she said. With the 2020-21 application cycle now open, she hoped to solidify the board's position on whether to accept such requests.

"It has not been clear," Waibel said. "We wanted clarification and transparency on what the policy should be so we can keep a consistent practice in our commission, regardless of who the members are in the future."

Alderman Ron Silkaitis, who is also a 708 board member, said he does not feel comfortable awarding mental health funding to entities with their own sources of tax revenue. He voted against the policy change, along with aldermen Maureen Lewis and Rita Payleitner.

"If we need a social worker, I believe our budget in St. Charles should fund it. Same with the sheriff's department," he said. "I'm not convinced we should be funding another government agency."

The mental health tax revenue can only fund services for St. Charles residents, even if the organization extends beyond city limits. Silkaitis said he worries government entities will take on an unexpected burden to ensure the money is used appropriately.

Allowing government agencies to apply doesn't guarantee them funding, Waibel said. The 708 board allocates the money based on the program's size, quality, outside funding sources and other factors.

Roughly $592,000 was distributed to various organizations last year.

The 708 board is accepting applications electronically through Jan. 15. Mandatory presentations will take place Feb. 27, when board members will have a chance to ask questions or seek clarification.

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