Knox 708 Board: $1.8M Funding with Steve Watts

In this Galesburg's Morning News segment, Chairman Steve Watts of the Knox County Mental Health (708) Board joins the show to detail the board's work funding local services for mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use. Established via 2017 referendum (after the 1964 state law), the board levies a 0.15 per $100 property tax, projecting $1.7 million in revenue for the 2025 tax year and about $1.8 million available for the July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027 fiscal year including carryover. Watts, an original member since inception along with John Schlaf and Luke Raymond (full board: Tara Wilder Evans, Deb Goodwin, Kim Norton, Anthony Weiss), explains the narrow mandate, common misconceptions about broader funding eligibility, and the shift to fully online applications via the Knox County Board website (deadline: February 27). He highlights impacts like $157,000 to double Knox County Drug Court capacity (now up to 50 people) and set-aside funds for Bridgeway's 24/7 crisis care center as part of their Certified Community Behavioral Health Center push. The discussion covers the rigorous three-meeting public allocation process amid rising applications (over 40 last year), challenges in denying requests despite limited funds, and evolving needs in mental health and substance use. For more or to apply,  visit the county site.