The Reno County Commission Tuesday approved a new contract agreement with Horizons Mental Health Center to help to inmates with mental health issues as they’re released from jail – and for a period afterward – to ensure they’re accessing the services they need and not ending back up in jail. The contract with Horizons was tabled on Dec. 31 after Commissioner Bob Bush asked that the proposed agreement have an end date, rather than perpetual automatic renewal so that it could be renegotiated or discontinued.
The county will pay the Horizons “reintegration” employee $1,825.26 a month, with Horizons covering a matching share. The county’s funding will come from the sheriff’s budget, but be covered by a federal grant. The position was one of a few added when the county adopted its 2019 budget.
The county is also obligated to provide the employee office space and computer access.
The contract the commission approved is for one year, but with automatic renewal annually for two more years unless either party gives 60 days-notice of non-renewal.
(Read more: News – The Hutchinson News)