LAKEPORT— The BOS approved a large agreement with behavioral health services as well as making a few appointments this week at their meeting in the Lake County Courthouse in Lakeport. These meeting are held every Tuesday at 9 a.m. both in person and online via zoom.
Behavioral Health Director Elise Jones presented an item continued from last week wherein a $13,000,000 specialty behavioral health contract was approved with several amendments clarifying language. Jones explained the history behind this amendment noting that the reimbursement rate had been consistently low. Jones shared “Through payment reform the county negotiated new rates.” This left them without a large net of licensed therapists and professional health workers. She explained future changes coming down from the state where the dollar amount of contracts will be larger as billing has changed but services have also been balanced where Telehealth services help fill gaps in service. Jones stated “It’s complex, unfortunately behavioral health financing in California is one of the most complex financing systems ever.”
Board Chair Supervisor Bruno Sabatier asked about the fiscal sustainability of these services despite the high need for them. He mentioned the contract is being increased by several million dollars. Jones apologized for several mathematical mistakes within the contract and it was approved unanimously.
Continuing the ongoing Lake County Area Plan committee appointments Community Development Director Mireya Turner discussed potential candidates for the area plan committees for the Kelseyville, Upper Lake / Nice and Lakeport. District 5 Supervisor Jessica Pyska addressed potential appointees from the submitted applications. Angel Acosta, Elizabeth Weiss, Sabrina Andrus and Mark Lipps. For the Big Valley Advisory Council Brian Hanson, Elizabeth Lincoln, Summer Brown, and Mark Borghesani were appointed leaving an environmental advisor seat empty.
Lakeport’s area plan council only received four applicants with District 4 Supervisor Michael Green appointing Greg Scott, Jared Hendricks, and Danny Wind. District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell appointed Tammy Alakszay, Betsy Cawn, Tonya Noble, Rebecca Cambell and Deb Clarke, Diane Plante, and Thomas Aceves, Conner McVey and Irenia Quitiquit for the Upper Land and Nice areas.
Supervisor Pyska asked how many members are needed before beginning these meetings, to which Turner responded, “The meetings can start immediately as there is no quorum needed.” Turner explained they will continue to take applications until the next board meeting.
More information regarding the Lake County Board of Supervisors including agendas and video can be found on the county website at https://www.lakecountyca.gov/
