The Yolo County Board of Supervisors convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding community health services and budget allocations. The meeting focused on exploring options for enhancing mental health support and addressing the county's budget gap.
The session began with a discussion on the need for additional mental health service sites, particularly in West Sacramento. Supervisors expressed support for exploring options two and three, which involve potential partnerships with existing facilities in Sacramento County. The consensus was that while a site in Yolo County would be ideal, transportation barriers must be addressed to ensure residents from Woodland, Davis, and rural areas can access these services effectively.
Staff members presented a recommendation to continue exploring these options, emphasizing that no final decisions were being made at this stage. They highlighted the importance of collaboration with local cities and hospitals, which have been instrumental in funding and supporting mental health initiatives, including the embedding of clinicians in police departments.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to budget considerations. Staff proposed reallocating $3 million previously set aside for the "Bridal Now" initiative, with $2 million aimed at closing the county's budget gap and $1 million designated for further evaluation of the proposed mental health options. Additionally, funding for a second co-responder for the City of Davis was discussed, alongside the reallocation of $200,000 originally intended for child welfare services.
The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comment, although no members of the public chose to speak on the matter. Supervisors reiterated their support for the staff recommendations and acknowledged the ongoing need for data to guide future decisions regarding mental health services in the county.
Overall, the meeting underscored the Board's commitment to enhancing mental health resources while navigating budgetary constraints, with plans to revisit the topic in future sessions as more information becomes available.