County commissioners are taking a step toward solidifying a taxing district to generate dedicated funding for mental health services.
With a 4-1 vote last week, commissioners authorized a June public hearing on an ordinance to create the district. If approved, the district would be funded by general ad valorem tax revenue.
Commissioner Mike Moran first proposed a special taxing district in early 2020, but a ballot initiative planned for the November 2020 election was pulled over uncertainties connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now commissioners are considering a dependent special district, which does not require a referendum. Under the plan, the County Commission could serve as the governing body over the spending or appoint a group to oversee the work.