Union County board backs resolution urging state to reverse Shoal Mental Health Center cuts

The Union County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a resolution urging the Illinois Department of Human Services to reverse its decision to downsize the Shoal Children’s Mental Health and Developmental Center.

Ty Peterson, identifying himself as an AFSCME representative who works at Shoal, told the board the state’s July announcement caught staff and communities off guard. "We have been going through a process for 3.5 years of transitioning," Peterson said, and "somewhere in between… July 23… we need to lay off 250 people." He argued the cuts would be felt across Southern Illinois and said the union has asked local governments to adopt resolutions opposing the layoffs.

Chair Max Muller moved the county’s resolution, which expresses concern that the center "serves a vital function" and urges DHS to reverse the downsizing and the broader trend of divestment in regional mental-health services. Commissioners recorded affirmative votes from Pitts, Miller and Bierstadt; Commissioner Harville voted no and Commissioner Gould was absent. The resolution passed among present members.

Supporters warned of cascading effects. A Regional Office of Education representative told commissioners that job losses in the area could reduce school enrollment and strain regional programs; the presenter said Union County’s allocation mechanics mean staff losses could ripple through services for children and students in five counties.

The county’s resolution does not direct staff to any specific county-level expenditures; it is an expression of the board’s request that DHS reconsider its plan. The board approved the resolution during regular business and then moved to additional agenda items.