Debate Over Consolidated Crisis Center

Tools

Story Published: Jul 7, 2009 at 10:36 PM PDT

By Molly Kelleher

Video
FRANKLIN COUNTY - So what does Ben Franklin Transit have to do with a proposed mental health crisis center?

On Tuesday, there was talk about taking away Ben Franklin Transit's county money to pay for the center.

Tuesday's meeting was both packed and heated. Most in attendance were in favor of a bicounty crisis center -- and of using some transit money to pay for it. The center would give mentally ill a place to go instead of jail.

Two new county commissioners are at the center of the debate -- Brad Peck and Jim Beaver. Both took some lumps earlier this week for not including local businessman Dr. Carl Cadwell in talks about the crisis center.

Cadwell offered a spot for the crisis center at a reduced rent.

"I appreciate their concern about the conflict of interest," Cadwell said. "Now today I think they came back with a good proposal. I don't care if i build it or not. But I think I have insight to actually get it done."

Eventually -- commissioners gave the go-ahead to Beaver and Peck to meet with Cadwell about a future partnership.

But there was no decision on whether a sales tax hike will go to voters.

That issue is still on the table.

Current Weather

Icon
Current Temp 42.0 °F
Fair
Video
More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand