Summit County moves to secure behavioral‑health services, approves FY25 area plan and directs contract negotiations

The Summit County Council convened as the Behavioral Health Local Authority on May 1 and approved the local authority’s FY25 area plan and budget, directing staff to submit the plan to the state Office of Substance Use and Mental Health for continued funding.

Aaron (behavioral health director) and Pamela (behavioral‑health staff) outlined a program summary, including federal/state funding lines, a projected $264,000 increase in state funding with a county match change, and program highlights such as the Thrive school‑based peer supports, a gun‑safe distribution program and a pilot for fentanyl test strips. The council approved the FY25 local authority budget and area plan by voice vote.

Councilors also discussed two contract issues: (1) a proposed contract with UTech (University of Utah academic department) to provide school‑based clinicians at an estimated $380,000 annual cost (with roughly $80,000 offset by state dollars to reach a $300,000 net county cost) and direction to return with a formal contract for approval; and (2) an urgent request to extend services from HealthyU/Huntsman Behavioral through a short-term extension because both providers signaled they might leave the county. Staff proposed an extension structure with a supplemental monthly payment (an initial $50,000/month for three months, then $75,000/month if extended) and negotiated a middle ground on invoice timing: the county would pay once the state system indicates “payment set,” rather than immediate payment on receipt of invoices, to avoid taking on the full cash‑flow and reporting risk.

Council members asked staff to pursue three parallel tracks: negotiate the HealthyU extension terms, finalize terms for a school‑based UTech contract and return with a plan and cost timetable for the county to become a direct provider of behavioral‑health services if external providers withdraw. Several members emphasized protecting service continuity for clients and ensuring contractual reporting and payment safeguards.

The council adjourned the local authority meeting and reconvened as the county council for subsequent agenda items.