DAVENPORT, Iowa—
Vera French Community Mental Health Center is bracing to lose up to 15 jobs and more than $800,000 in state funding. That's as Scott County supervisors prepare to vote on its budget next week.That leaves agencies which serve the most vulnerable population preparing for cuts. And county decision makers really have their hands tied.
"Number one concern would be that people would be hurt," said Supervisor Larry Minard. "There are going to be problems. These problems may lead to others."
State and local government leaders are learning that Iowa's budget continues to evolve each day. The latest word from Des Moines is that mental health funding could remain flat. Perhaps less devastating in the short term.
"We have great programs here," said State Rep. Cindy Winckler, (D) Davenport. "There is a significant need. They're not able to meet it because of some of the limitations that we have put on it as a state."
Programs could survive temporarily on money from Medicare and reserves. But that won't last.
"As you look at 2012, that's where the rubber meets the road," said State Rep. Linda Miller, (R) Bettendorf.
Iowa counties and cities are urged to save what they can. The financial outlook isn't bright.
"You're going to have no cash when you get to 2012," Rep. Miller warned. "That will be devastating."
Concern now that cuts will lead to greater problems down the road.
"Already in January, based on the budget's ten percent cut in the fall and shortage of revenue, some programs have already been cut," said Supervisor Chris Gallin.
"A lot of times if we don't have the mental health services, you shift it over to law enforcement," said State Rep. Jim Lykam, (D) Davenport. "It's kind of like pay me now or pay me later."
A price that Scott County programs can't afford.
