Veterans' mental health treatments addressed | Maryland Gazette (HometownGlenBurnie.com)

County health officer Frances B. Phillips said the department plans to use about $50,000 a year out of its nearly $52 million budget to expand a program addressing post traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse issues that affect veterans.

From October to April, 363 veterans have returned home to the county, the highest number in the state for that time period.

"We certainly owe veterans," Ms. Phillips said. "The point is to get the veterans and their families into treatment."

The funding was announced during the department's budget hearing this week at the Arundel Center. The department is receiving $51.63 million for fiscal year 2009, a 3 percent increase from the previous year. Aside from launching a program to help veterans, department officials also aim to increase enrollment in the county's low-cost health program, continue efforts to reduce the infant mortality rates for African-Americans and reduce obesity across the county.

The department did come up with some changes.

The County Council is considering a bill that would increase fees dealing with the licensing of food service facilities, construction codes and liquid-waste haulers. For example, the changes would require the Health Department to charge $150 annually to inspect vehicles used for waste hauling, as opposed to its previous cost of $50. The fees have not been raised since 2005. A hearing date has not been set.

The new veterans program will be funded out of the Opportunity for Treatment Fund, which pays for the treatment of residents who meet income guidelines. Currently, there is $2.3 million in the fund, which also pays for the patient getting into some area treatment facilities such as Hope House and Chrysalis House.

Ms. Phillips said about $50,000 a year could be used toward veterans.It is estimated that 5 to 10 percent of county residents who returned here from active duty will need treatment, officials said.

County Councilman Joshua Cohen, D-Annapolis, said he was concerned that the fund would be taking on too much with the addition of veterans. In fiscal 2007, more than 2,000 people were assessed for the program.

"My concern is just to make sure we have enough funding there," Mr. Cohen said at the hearing. "I know as we approach the fiscal year, funding will become an issue in that fund."

Ms. Phillips told him that not everyone that was assessed was admitted to the program, since many did not meet the fund's income requirements.

"This is the right thing to do," Ms. Phillips said. "The veterans should have the first (shot) at that money."

BUDGET HEARING

The County Council will hold the first of two public hearings on County Executive John R. Leopold's proposed budget on Monday at the Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park.

The proposed $1.2 billion general fund budget allocates $917 million to Anne Arundel County Public Schools. The budget adopted by the Board of Education in February requested $968.8 million.

The property tax rate of 89 cents per $100 of assessed value remained below the state average. The county's local income tax stayed at 2.56 percent, the third lowest in the state.

Mr. Leopold cut $6.6 million out of current county spending and suggested a pallet of fee and tax increases totaling $11 million. He asked the council to approve an ambulance service fee of $500 that would raise $2 million and be used to build underground water tanks in neighborhoods that do not have access to public water.

The budget would raise the tax on hotel stays from 7 to 10 percent, a move that would generate $6.3 million and would fund raises for school secretaries and support staff.

Other fee increases on well and restaurant inspections, recreation and parks, and building approval are expected to bring in $2.7 million.

It is 2.9 percent larger than last year and includes new initiatives for science and math education programs, a baseball field for children in wheelchairs and a police officer dedicated to working with federal authorities to curb illegal immigration.

The budget sets aside $2 million to build workforce housing, allocates money to preserve 130 acres of land and gives money to help veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan access mental health and substance abuse treatment.

The county allocated less than $2.5 million to community grants this year, slightly less than was awarded last year.

The hearing, and one slated for Wednesday at the Arundel Center in Annapolis, starts at 7 p.m. Those wishing to testify can sign up beginning at 6 p.m.

The arts center is located at 194 Hammonds Lane in Brooklyn Park. The Arundel Center is located at 44 Calvert St. in Annapolis. The entire budget can be found at www.aacounty.org.