Commissioners vote 2-1 to split alcohol-earmark funds equally among three providers

Yellowstone County commissioners voted 2-1 to allocate the county’s next alcohol-earmark distribution equally among three providers: Rimrock, Alternatives and the Mental Health Center (33.3% each).

Jen (county staff) briefed the commission on the funds, explaining that the county receives payments that originate at the state level and that a traditional interim split had been Rimrock 70%, Alternatives 15% and Mental Health Center 15% through June 30. Commissioner (speaker 3) moved to divide the funds one-third each for fiscal 2025; Commissioner (speaker 4) proposed a substitute motion to allocate 50% to Rimrock and 25% to each of the other two providers, arguing Rimrock provides a critical detox-bed service. The substitute motion failed to secure a second, and the original motion to split the funds equally passed on a 2-1 recorded voice vote.

Jen noted the board may change the distribution later in the year if circumstances warrant. Commissioners discussed both the value of Rimrock’s detox beds and the recent workload provided by Alternatives and the Mental Health Center to the jail and other county services.