Council approves $752,000 co‑responder sub‑recipient agreement to fund mental‑health responders

Springfield — The City Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2026‑222, a sub‑recipient agreement with Memorial Behavioral Health under an ICEIA co‑responder grant (contract 102601) not to exceed $752,000 for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026.

Chief Beal described the co‑responder model as a mental‑health professional riding with a police officer 60–70 hours per week to respond to mental‑health calls and provide on‑scene engagement. The grant also supports District 186’s Mosaic program, which provides quiet rooms and mental‑health professionals in schools.

Alderwoman Conley and others praised the program as a successful pilot with tangible community benefit. The motion passed 10–0, and council members said they hoped to sustain the program if external funding changes.