Answering Frequently Heard Objections/Questions on Mental Health Tax Referendum
Kankakee County residents have an opportunity to vote on a sales tax referendum at the April 4 General Election. Voters will decide if they are willing to adopt a ¼ cent sales tax to create local, long-term solutions to address chronic gaps in the mental health system of care.
Several objections and questions have been raised about the need for the tax and how the funds will be spent. Kankakee County Citizens for Mental Health will hold four informational meetings to provide residents the opportunity to discuss these issues, as well as other questions they may have.
The sessions will be held on Thursday, March 23, from noon – 1 p.m., at Kankakee Public Library, 201 E. Merchant Street; Thursday, March 23, from 7 – 8 p.m., at the ONU Weber Center, Room 306, 1 University Avenue, Bourbonnais; Tuesday, March 28, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., at Limestone Public Library, 2701 W. Tower Road, Kankakee; and Friday, March 31, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., at Leo Hassett Community Center, 211 N Main Street, Manteno.
Responding to allegations the group failed to secure enough signatures to put the referendum on the ballot and called in favors from Kankakee County Board members, Debra Baron states, “There are two ways to get a referendum on the ballot. One is to get a prescribed number of citizen signatures, and the other is having the governing body that will implement the measure pass a resolution to put it on the ballot.”
“Rather than waiting another year to gather signatures to place this question on the ballot and have people continuing to go without mental health services, the majority of county board members agreed it was time to give voters the opportunity to decide if they were willing to support funding for mental health services. The county board has used this option in the past to place other referenda on the ballot,” she added.
Proponents of the tax argue that even with this increase, the highest sales tax rate (8.5 percent) in Kankakee County would still be significantly less the rates in Cook County and Chicago. Baron claims, “Identifying and addressing mental illness early saves more than it costs in the long run.”
Opponents of the tax maintain there are enough mental health services in Kankakee County. Yet, for nearly a decade, the Partnership for a Healthy Community has identified the shortage of mental health services as priority public health concern. Long wait times to begin receiving treatment and gaps in service are well documented. The need is further evidenced by the ratio of population to mental health service providers. In Kankakee County, it is 660 residents to one mental health service provider. This is much higher than the state ratio of 410-to-one and national ratio of 380-to-one.
Many of the questions raised center around who and how will decisions be made about spending the monies collected. According to the Illinois Community Mental Health Act, before it may levy the tax, the county board must establish a seven-member community mental health board, who will administer these funds. The board will be appointed by the county board chairman, with the advice and consent of the members of the county board. All members of the Community Mental Health Board must be appointed within 60 days of the referendum.
The Act requires that members of the Community Mental Health Board must be residents of Kankakee County. They should include representatives of interested groups of the community, such as the local health department, medical societies, hospital boards, lay associations concerned with mental health, as well as the general public. However, no member of the Community Mental Health Board may be a full-time or part-time employee of the Illinois Department of Human Services or a board member, employee, or any other individual receiving compensation from any facility or service operating under contract to the board. No member shall receive payment, except expenses, for service on the board.
According to Baron, “The Community Mental Health Board will not add another layer of government. The Illinois Community Mental Health Act specifies the board work with existing nonprofits, county, state, and federal governments to fund services that are not funded elsewhere. The Community Mental Health Board must look at unmet local needs and provide funding and direction to meet those needs. It may only provide direct services in very limited situations.”
Proceeds of the tax will be deposited into a special county occupation tax fund for mental health purposes. As described in the Act, applicants for funding may be an individual or a public or private entity providing mental health services to residents of Kankakee County.
Kankakee County Citizens for Mental Health maintain the Illinois Community Mental Health Act lays out clear requirements to ensure the Community Mental Health Board will operate with the highest level of transparency and accountability to Kankakee County residents. Oversight of the operations of the board to comply with the requirements will be the responsibility of the citizens of Kankakee.
Those with additional questions and concerns are urged to attend one of the informational meetings that will be held at various locations in the county.
Illinois News
Classifieds
KRS Receives KVPS Commitment Agreement
Spread the loveThe Kankakee Riverfront Society (KRS), a not-for-profit organization spearheading The Currents of Kankakee and the transformation of the downtown Kankakee riverfront, received five votes of confidence from the Kankakee Valley Park District (KVPD) at its February 28 board meeting. Leaders from KRS, KVPD and the City of Kankakee have been working toward an…
ICGS Program: ‘Indians of Iroquois County’
Spread the loveThe Iroquois County Genealogical Society sponsors many programs throughout the year. On Sunday, March 13, a program on the Indians of Iroquois County will be presented at 1 p.m., in the courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum, 103 W. Cherry, Watseka. The presentation is based on extensive research and includes much information, including…
Munday Named County Relay for Life Honorary Chair
Spread the loveThe Kankakee County Relay’s Event Leadership Team selected Peggy Sue Munday to serve as honorary chair for this year’s Relay For Life of Kankakee County. It will be held at Bishop McNamara Catholic School on Saturday, June 11. Peggy Sue is a native of Kankakee County and a well-known volunteer for many area…
Musicians: Join Tinley Park Community Band
Spread the loveThe Tinley Park Community Band, directed by Barbara Abarro, is in its 34th year of making music. Musicians are invited to join this 45-piece concert band, with all instruments welcome. The Community Band is active year-round, sharing their talents and bringing the sound of live concert band and jazz music to Tinley Park…
Lenten Prayer Services
Spread the loveResidents are invited to the Clergy Association of Greater Peotone’s Prayer Services each Wednesday in Lent, beginning at 6 p.m. Mark your calendars for the following Wednesdays: March 9 will be held at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Peotone; March 16 – St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Peotone; March 23 –…
Legion Fish Fry March 12
Spread the lovePeotone American Legion Post 392 will host a perch only fish fry on Saturday, March 12, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. or until sold out. Dinners are $12 – dine in or carry out. Homemade delicious desserts, sold by the Auxiliary, are available at $2 each. Spread the love
Manteno School Board Approves Bus Purchase
Spread the loveBy Andrea Arens In a 15 minute meeting with very little discussion, the Manteno School Board unanimously approved the purchase of a wheelchair accessible activity bus, with a total lease and purchase option price of $75,463. The purchase is expected to be funded utilizing special education federal grant money. The board also unanimously…
Manteno Student Inducted into National Technical Honor Society
Spread the loveOn February 24, Manteno senior Cynthia Li was inducted into the National Technical Honor Society, which is a national organization of students who excel in the Career and Technical Field in Career Centers across the United State. Li is a student in the construction program at Kankakee Area Career Center and is one…
Manteno Band Students Participate in ICE Honors Band
Spread the loveManteno High School was represented by 13 individuals at the Illinois Central Eight Conference Honor Band Concert on February 22, at Streator High School – host of the day-long event. The band, consisting of 90 students, represented eight conference schools. Twelve of the participants participated in the concert band portion, which was under…
Military Family Forum March 6
Spread the loveIn conjunction with Adopt-a-Soldier, a military family forum will be held this Sunday, March 6, at 2 p.m., at Manteno American Legion Post 755, 117 N. Walnut. The event will help support families with active military members. Featured guest will be Lt. Mike Beierman. Spread the love
MPD Makes Local History With All Female Shift
Spread the loveBy Eric Peterson The Manteno Police Department unintentionally decided to get ahead in celebrating Women’s History Month, celebrated in March, by creating some female-driven history of their own. MPD had their first shift run completely by female police officers on Saturday, February 19. The shift was staffed by Officers Miranda Sinadinos, Jessica Rourke,…
Manteno Trivia: March 3
Spread the loveBy Melanie Holmes This week’s column will do double-duty. First, there is a new question; and second, there is a follow-up on a previous trivia column about existing structures that were moved from the country into the village, thanks to the Henrisey brothers and Jane Nalley (wife of Bob N.). The new question…
Jackie Haas Re-Election Bid
Spread the loveBy Eric Peterson Taking a position of leadership is no easy task. When that is combined with a global pandemic, social issues, and other unforeseen complications, the term “Baptism by fire” comes to mind. Though, having experience in dealing with stress, State Rep. of the 79th District Jackie Haas takes it all in…
Locals Come Together to Give Back
Spread the loveBy Eric Peterson Celebrating “Random Acts of Kindness Day” on Thursday, February 17, was an excellent way to spread much-needed positivity across the country. Luckily, for a few locals, that holiday was appreciated but not needed, to make a positive impact on their community. On Tuesday, February 8, Cindy Scripter and young entrepreneur…
Manteno Trivia: February 24
Spread the loveBy Melanie Holmes Last week’s question asked: How many existing homes in Manteno were moved from the country to a place within village limits? And where are they now? First, a bit of history. The existence of the Manteno State Hospital – which employed thousands of workers over its 55-year run – and…