Written by: Sidney Wiles (snw003@marietta.edu)
On November 3rd, Washington County voters will decide whether to renew a 0.5 million dollar levy that funds treatment and recovery programs for those who struggle with mental illness and/or substance abuse.
The renewal of this levy would cost property owners $18 for every $100,000 of assessed value. Since the levy was implemented in 2017, it has collected $815,668 per year for the past five years. If the levy is renewed, voters will not see a new tax or a tax increase — the levy will remain the same as it has been.
56% of the money from this levy goes towards funding for school-based programs that support the mental health of children and adolescents. Practically, this looks like counseling and educating youth about how and who to talk to about their feelings, as well as how to manage them. Funding also goes towards providing adults who struggle with substance abuse proper treatment and recovery programs, such as medical support, counseling, and short-term housing.
“Behavioral health services strengthen our entire community,” the Washington County Behavioral Health Board shared in a public statement. “They help people get support before problems become crises, strengthen families, reduce pressure on emergency services and law enforcement, and help make Washington County a safer, healthier place to live, work, and raise a family.”
WTAP interviewed Behavioral Health Board Director, George Goddard, in which he shared that the levy funds a range of services for the county.
“This levy comes down to neighbors supporting one another,” Goddard said.
Those who lack mental support are also the same people that commonly turn to substances as a form of self-medicating. According to the website for the Board of Behavioral Health, as of 2024, 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition, and 19% of Ohioans struggle with substance abuse problems.
Recognizing early warning signs of mental distress in children is the best way to intervene and show support. For these reasons, the Board of Behavioral Health is asking voters to renew the levy this election year.
For additional information, visit wtap.com/2026/10/06/washington-county-voters-decide-behavioral-health-levy-renewal/.
Edited by: Rebecca Straits (rjs006@marietta.edu)
