Warren County voters will decide in November whether to renew a 1-mill property tax levy that funds about half the local mental health system's budget.

The Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren and Clinton Counties, headquartered in Mason, told county commissioners on Tuesday, Aug. 25, that the number of people receiving outpatient treatment increased 31% in the past fiscal year. Executive Director Amy Fornshell presented the annual update during a commissioners' work session, according to the Warren County Post.

The five-year levy has not increased since 2002. Fornshell told commissioners the renewal would not raise property taxes.

More than 2,900 people received outpatient mental health treatment through the board's system during fiscal year 2025, up from roughly 2,200 the year before. Among clients who completed outcome evaluations, 60% showed clinical improvement.

The board's mobile crisis response program resolved 62% of adult cases without hospitalization, according to Fornshell. Keeping people out of hospitals when appropriate, she said, can reduce pressure on both hospitals and the criminal justice system.

Prevention programs also expanded. More than 6,100 young children in 421 classrooms received early-childhood behavioral health services. Another 9,300 students at 13 schools took part in programs covering substance-use prevention, suicide prevention, healthy relationships and life skills.

Wait times for services range from two to 19 days. The system also offers same-day intake appointments, with most clients seeing a clinician within about two weeks. The board acts as a payer of last resort for residents who are uninsured or underinsured.

Approximately $7.45 million in local levy revenue supports the board's work across both Warren and Clinton counties. Commissioner Tom Grossmann asked Fornshell to confirm that figure covered both counties. She said it did.

"I know you guys do this important work behind the scenes," Commissioner Shannon Jones said, adding that the board helps residents get services in their own community.

The board partners with schools, courts, law enforcement, treatment providers and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Its offices are at 201 Reading Road in Mason.

The levy renewal will appear on the November ballot.