Mental health levy fails

NORWALK — Less than 11% of eligible voters determined the fate of Huron County and local initiatives Tuesday. The Huron County Board of Elections released the unofficial results from Tuesday's elections, including a shocking statistic: voter turnout was less than 11%. According to statistics from the Huron County Board of Elections, the average turnout in primary elections since 2022 has been approximately 20%. Huron County-area voters decided not to raise taxes supporting local mental health and addiction services, defeating the issue by nearly 18%. The initiative sought to replace an existing 0.5-mill levy and increase it by 0.5 mills. If approved, the levy would have run for 10 years. The board lamented the voters' decision in a statement posted online, but reiterated its commitment to the community: "While we're deeply disappointed by the outcome of the Huron County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services (MHAS) levy, our commitment to this community, and to making sure every resident can get the help they need when they need it, remains as strong as ever. "As a county organization, much of our work happens behind the scenes, bringing together local, state, and federal resources to support the programs and providers that serve our neighbors. This levy would have provided essential funding to protect and expand mental health and recovery services across our community. Without it, we know tough decisions lie ahead. But this is not the end of our efforts. "We will keep showing up — advocating, planning, and identifying solutions — to make sure services continue and that we keep working to close the gaps that still exist. Our focus remains on the individuals and families who rely on us every day for support, stability, and hope. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this levy and stood up for the importance of mental health and recovery. Though this isn't the outcome we hoped for, our focus does not change. "To those who continue to believe in the power of compassionate community care, thank you. Your support means everything. We will keep doing everything we can to preserve vital services and explore new ways to address the gaps in our system. "Together, we'll keep pushing ahead and making a difference - because every person in our community matters." When asked for their comments on the election by a Reflector social media post, members of the community spoke up: • Karen Prelipp: "The failure of the MHAS levy is truly disappointing. In the recent past, Huron County had one of the highest suicide rates in the whole state of Ohio. MHAS made great strides in reducing that dubious distinction. My fear is that reduced funding for this vital service to our communities will result in more families having to deal with the pain of addiction and loss of life." • Terry Persons: "Property owners are taxed to the limit. It's hard to ask them for more money on top of three new levies approved last year. Especially when you asked for a replacement (increase) AND new tax increases. These are hard times for a lot of people." • Kasey Ramos: "As a member of the community and an advocate for mental health and addiction services. I am so disappointed in the levy not passing. MHAS provides vital services that improve our mental health outcomes for residents. As someone who has worked with multiple county boards in Ohio in my current and last career, Huron County goes above and beyond to provide services and supports for our community. Thank you so much to Huron County Board of Mental Health and Addiction Services for your hard work and dedication to make a difference in our community. Kasey Ramos, MSSA, TRCC • Horning Patrick: "I'm glad (the MHAS levy) failed property taxes are getting (too) high." The final vote tally for the levy: • For: 1,644 (41%) • Against: 2,370 (59%) Source: Unofficial results from the Huron County Board of Elections