The Multnomah County Board approved two separate one-time Oregon Health Authority funding actions to expand service capacity and provide immediate housing supports.

Finance manager Brady Estevez described Bud Mod 004 as a one-time pass-through of $610,000 from OHA to support launch of a new mental-health residential services facility. Staff said OHA requested the county pass funds through the county to expedite payment to the provider; county staff indicated the state will directly contract with the provider in the future. "This funding supports the launch of a new mental health residential services facility," Estevez said, and noted the modification has no long-term fiscal impact to the county because revenue and expenses are one-time.

Commissioners asked why the county is acting as a pass-through for a provider the county does not license and whether the provider name could be shared. County staff said they would check contracting rules and report back to commissioners about what could be disclosed and whether the county could secure referral access.

The board also approved Bud Mod 005, appropriating $371,004.82 in one-time OHA housing funds for direct client assistance to cover rent and utilities. Staff said these funds were part of a larger pot received in 2022 and are expected to be expended in this fiscal year. Commissioners characterized the allocation as an appropriate use of one-time funds to support eviction prevention and housing stability.

What’s next: Staff will work to clarify contracting and referral arrangements for the new residential facility and disburse client assistance funds during the fiscal year.