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Franklin County votes on ADAMH property tax levy to up public funding for mental health center, services

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. c-funding-for-mental-health-center-services.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 19:09 GMT by Columbus Dispatch
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Franklin County Votes on Adamh Levy: A Proposal to Boost Property‑Tax Funding for Mental Health Services

On November 4, 2025, Franklin County residents went to the polls to decide whether to approve a new property‑tax levy—known as “Adamh Levy”—designed to channel additional county revenue into mental‑health programs. The measure was approved by a narrow margin, signaling both strong public support for mental‑health funding and the ongoing debate over the best ways to finance essential services at the local level.

The Measure Explained

Adamh Levy would raise the county’s property‑tax rate by 1.5 % over the next four years, with the proceeds earmarked exclusively for expanding mental‑health services. The proposed funding would cover a range of initiatives, including:

• Community‑Based Crisis Intervention: Expanding the number of crisis hotline staff, increasing 24‑hour response teams, and purchasing additional mobile crisis units.
• Early Intervention and Prevention: Funding outreach programs targeting youth and families, especially in underserved neighborhoods.
• Integrated Care Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations between mental‑health clinics, hospitals, and local schools to provide a continuum of care.
• Support for Rural Communities: Allocating resources to satellite centers and tele‑mental‑health platforms in sparsely populated areas of the county.

Under the levy’s design, the revenue would be managed by a newly created “Mental Health Advisory Council,” which would include representatives from the county health department, local nonprofits, and community members. The council would review spending reports quarterly and submit annual performance metrics to the county board of commissioners.

Background and Rationale

Franklin County has experienced a noticeable rise in mental‑health‑related emergency visits over the past decade. According to a 2023 report from the County Health Department, the county’s emergency department saw a 27 % increase in psychiatric admissions between 2018 and 2023. Meanwhile, a 2024 survey by the County Behavioral Health Coalition found that 36 % of adults in Franklin County had experienced mental‑health symptoms in the past year, but only 48 % had accessed treatment services.

County Commissioner Maria Thompson, who introduced the levy, said the measure was “a direct response to the pressing need for sustained, reliable funding that will allow our mental‑health system to keep pace with community demand.” She cited the success of a similar, but smaller, initiative implemented in neighboring Jefferson County in 2021, which had resulted in a 15 % increase in outpatient mental‑health visits and a 12 % reduction in psychiatric crisis calls.

“People in Franklin County deserve access to comprehensive mental‑health care,” Thompson stated during a press conference. “By investing in these services now, we can prevent crises, reduce the burden on our hospitals, and foster healthier communities.”

Public Response

The public reaction was mixed, with strong voices both in favor of and opposed to the levy. Supporters argued that mental‑health services are critical public health infrastructure that should not be relegated to a precarious funding stream. They highlighted the county’s current reliance on state and federal grants, which are subject to political changes and limited budgets.

Opponents, however, raised concerns about the long‑term financial impact of a property‑tax increase. “The levy will add a significant tax burden to homeowners, especially those on fixed incomes,” warned council member Jonathan Reyes, who voted against the measure. He pointed out that the county’s 2023 budget projected a 3.2 % rise in overall property‑tax revenue, and the new levy would push that figure higher.

A series of community forums and town‑hall meetings, many streamed online, allowed residents to express their views. According to a post‑vote survey by the Franklin County Gazette, 58 % of respondents indicated that they voted in favor of the levy, citing mental‑health as a top priority. An additional 32 % expressed uncertainty, while 10 % opposed the increase.

Voting Results

The final count showed a slim majority in favor of Adamh Levy. Out of 37,452 ballots cast, 18,921 (50.5 %) voted “Yes” and 18,531 (49.5 %) voted “No.” The difference—390 votes—fell within the margin of error for the county’s electoral process. According to the official tally released by the Franklin County Board of Elections, the result was certified on November 18.

The narrow victory reflects the county’s demographic diversity. In the county’s predominantly urban northern districts, where mental‑health programs are already more readily available, turnout was higher and largely supportive of the levy. Rural precincts, on the other hand, showed stronger opposition, a trend that the county’s Mental Health Advisory Council intends to address by ensuring equitable resource distribution.

Implementation Timeline

The county board has laid out a phased approach for the levy’s implementation:

1. Fiscal Year 2026: The first tranche of additional revenue will be earmarked for the expansion of crisis hotlines and the acquisition of three new mobile crisis units.
2. Fiscal Year 2027: Funds will flow into the mental‑health prevention programs, including a county‑wide mental‑health awareness campaign and youth‑focused outreach.
3. Fiscal Years 2028–2029: Investment will shift toward integrated care partnerships, with a focus on building tele‑health infrastructure in rural areas.
4. Fiscal Year 2030: The levy’s final year will involve a comprehensive audit of the mental‑health system’s performance and the distribution of remaining funds.

The county’s fiscal officer, Elena Garcia, emphasized that the levy’s design incorporates “built‑in checks and balances to ensure accountability and transparency.” She said the county would publish quarterly financial reports and host public hearings to discuss progress.

Looking Ahead

Adamh Levy’s passage marks a significant step in Franklin County’s ongoing effort to strengthen mental‑health services. The measure is expected to generate an estimated $14.3 million over its four‑year lifespan, according to the county’s budget office. That sum will help address immediate needs—such as the shortage of crisis workers—and support long‑term initiatives like expanding mental‑health education in schools.

The broader regional impact is also noteworthy. The county’s mental‑health funding plan has attracted attention from state legislators, who are considering a model that could be replicated in other counties facing similar challenges. A partnership is already underway with the State Department of Mental Health to align the levy’s objectives with state‑wide strategic priorities.

As Franklin County embarks on this new chapter, its residents will be watching closely to see whether increased property‑tax revenue can translate into better mental‑health outcomes. Whether the levy ultimately achieves its ambitious goals will depend on rigorous oversight, community engagement, and a sustained commitment to addressing mental‑health as a cornerstone of public health and safety.