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x.1.6 collected. He added that until this Board is willing to sit down acid work these problems out, the Gounty government is going to be jeopardized. Chairman Whitted stated that the Mental Health Board is not presenting excuses, but is presenting its situation. The Mental Health Board is aware of the situation and that is why a new area director has been hired, why a new financial officer was hired. Rosalyn Hutter, President of Mental Health Association of Orange County requested permission to speak to the matter of mental health. She stated that it was the responsibility of this Board to provide funds to see that mental health programs continue. That sufficient local funds had not been provided in the past, and that people in the County would be hurt if this financial backing was not provided. Commissioner Gustaveson spoke in support of the Mental Health Program and the Mental Health Board. He stated that the Chairman of the Board had worked long and hard to bring about improvements in the program, which had problems for many years. He added that this was not a recent situation, but that these problems had mounted over the years. Commissioner Walker asked again that the Local Government Commission be asked to evaluate the Area Mental Health Program and advise the County of appropriate action. Commissioner Willhoit asked if continued services as the current level would require an additional $153,000 this year, plus $315,OD0 for next year. Commissioner Whitted replied "yes", and that cuts would be projected into next year's budget. Mr. Baxter stated that the $153,000 figure is the worst possible face. With the implementation of the 19 activities, the Mental Health Board had recommended, the deficit will improve. Commissioner Pinney suggested that nay supplemental appropriation to Mental Health should be an the same level as the other two counties, and that the Board should be sure that Orange County's monies will not be ' used to fund other counties' programs. Mr. Baxter .informed the Board that the State had delayed the payback until 3'une, 1978. Commissioner Walker requested that a.letter of this action be forwarded to the Orange County Board. Discussien ensued. The Board agreed to decide on a "ballpark" appro- priation and to review the February financial report and hear from the other two counties, before actually committing themselves to an amount. The Finance Director stated tha t there was $125,591 of uncommitted funds in the Contingency Fund. Commissioner Willhoit proposed that Orange County fund 50 percent as its portion to encourage the other counties to do likewise. Commissioner Finney stated that the County should make sure this is earmarked for Orange County. Commissioner Gustaveson moved that Orange County go on record as making 69 percent.af $90,000 as a base line appropriation at this time. Commissioner Willhoit seconded the motion. The Chairman called for the vote on the motion. Voting aye were Commissioners Gustaveson, Pinney, Whitted, and Willhoit. Commissioner Walker voted nay. The motion was declared passed. Chairman Whitted referred to Ttem 13: Ms. Sophia Martin will request funding for the Meals on Wheels Program. Ms. Martin stated that this re- quest was a follow up of a previous request for start up funds for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Meals on Wheels Progra. She explained that this program was