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done are being taken seriously and have resulted in a change in the law. There is universal agreement <br /> that the system is broken and needs to be changed. Our state spends more than average on mental <br /> health and the result has not been optimal. The solutions result in some very profound change. The <br /> County Commissioners will now be directly responsible for administering mental health services for every <br /> county in the state. They will not be permitted to operate the system as a County Department because <br /> the goal is to reduce administrative overhead expenditures. What is required by January of next year is <br /> that the County Commissioners must submit to the state a business plan for how they will provide mental <br /> health services. We will be required to focus on strengthening services for citizens who need the service <br /> the most. Part of the plan calls for reducing the capacity at state institutions. The planning process is <br /> described in the agenda. There are steering committees from each County that are overseeing this <br /> process. <br /> Jackie Gist said that we owe Tom Maynard a great debt of gratitude because he works under <br /> incredibly hard conditions and challenges and he does such a wonderful job. <br /> Commissioner Brown said that she asked this to be put on the agenda because of the County's <br /> concern for people who cannot take care of themselves. The reduction in services that is anticipated is <br /> probably going to affect a lot of people in the community. She asked that anyone who wants to help in <br /> formulating this plan to contact her, and Jackie Gist volunteered to help. <br /> 5. SHAPING ORANGE COUNTY'S FUTURE UPDATE <br /> Gene Bell, Comprehensive Planner for Orange County, made this representation. He said that two <br /> years ago, a report was brought forth to all the governing boards. He distributed a list of five options for <br /> consideration by the governing boards, which is incorporated herein by reference (green sheet). <br /> Ellen Ironsides, Co-Chair of Shaping Orange County's Future, asked that the County <br /> Commissioners consider all the recommendations from the Shaping Orange County's Future Committee <br /> as stated in the report. <br /> A motion was made by Jim Ward, seconded by Joal Hall Broun to approve options 1, 2 (a and b), <br /> 4, and 5 as follows: <br /> 1. Agree that content of SOCF Provisional Report is complete and pass a resolution. <br /> 2. Direct staff to pursue graphics specialist firm/company to: <br /> a. Prepare an abridged version of the report for a newspaper insert; and <br /> b. Do necessary style and formal changes to the full 96-page report and publish it. Note: <br /> There are 15 appendices containing over 200 pages that accompany the report— it is not <br /> recommended that they be included). <br /> 4. In lieu of option three, attach letters of city/county accomplishments supporting the SOCF <br /> initiative from mayors and Board of County Commissioners Chair. <br /> 5. Refer the issue of a "Citizen's Roundtable"to town and county staff for evaluation and <br /> recommendation due back to all governing boards early in calendar year 2003. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> John Herrera commended the leadership of the Orange County government and also the <br /> Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro for passing the resolutions calling for immigration reform, which has a <br /> lot to do with their future. He reminded everyone that on Wednesday night, May 1't, at 7:00 p.m. at the <br /> Carrboro Arts Center, there will be a panel of professionals who know about the issues of immigration. <br /> He recommends it for employers who have immigrants as employees. <br /> Chair Jacobs reminded everyone that Thursday, May 2"', at 7:30 p.m. at the Friday Center, <br /> Orange County and Chatham County are co-hosting a regional terrorism forum. <br /> 6. ADJOURNMENT <br />