GC-MHRS Announces Allocation of Funds to Providers for 2027
Geauga County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (GC-MHRS) - May 20, 2026
Meeting Details: GC-MHRS Board held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 20 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Board offices located at 13244 Ravenna Road, Chardon, OH 44024. This meeting was in person only with no recording available. The agenda was available through a request to Office/Administrative Manager Teresa Slater by email at tslater@geauga.org and at the meeting.
Public Comment Policy: No formal policy but in practice, public comment is permitted at the end of the meeting.
Board Members Attending: Chair Steven Oluic, Vice Chair Kathy Johnson, Secretary Jimmy Lee Holden, Treasurer Reba Dykes; Board Members: Chris Alusheff, Michael Petruziello, Pat Varanese, Mary Ruth Shumway, and Doug Lundblad
Staff Members Attending: Executive Director Christine Lakomiak, Finance Director Jim Mausser, Office/Administrative Manager Teresa Slater, and Clinical/Compliance Manager Michelle Maneage.
Others Attending:
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Agency Representatives: Michelle Bertman (Lake Geauga Recovery Center- LGRC), Andrea Gutsko (WomenSafe), Paul Bolino (Ravenwood Health), Kristy Mowry (Red Tulip), Mary Wayne-Peaspanen (Signature Health), Angi Daugherty (Family Pride), Angela North (National Alliance on Mental Illness- NAMI) and Tracy Jordon (Geauga County Sheriff’s Office).
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Community Members: Linda and Lee Miller, this LWV Geauga Observer, and Newell Howard.
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Press: None identified
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There may have been one or two others present who did not sign in.
I. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Pledge of Allegiance - The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. Roll call and Pledge of Allegiance occurred as listed on the agenda.
II. Minutes: Minutes from the April 15, 2026 Regular Meeting were approved.
III. Chairman’s Report - Dr. Oluic reported:
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Reminder that May is Mental Health Awareness month.
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The Grand Opening of the Transitional Living Center (TLC) at Ravenwood Health was a great event.
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The State Director of the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (OhioDBH) came to the TLC grand opening. It was a great celebration.
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Changes will be coming to the Board in the months ahead. Some folks are leaving and new ones are coming. New officers will be nominated and elected. Change is good. It’s the time of the year for changes.
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Allocations will be made today. All Board members received them in advance and had the opportunity to ask questions of Board staff.
IV. Executive Director’s Report - Director Lakomiak discussed the following:
State Update
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The Ohio Department of Medicaid sent out information last week regarding New Medicaid Caps. Once the caps (limits) are reached, there will be an authorization process to have the cap limit increased. The ruling came out of the blue. Agencies were informed just last week and the caps go into effect July 1. For example: Clients could be limited to a 50 hours case management cap per year. To access more hours, the providers have to go to a Managed Care entity to get authorization. This process is so new that currently the Geauga providers know more about what may happen than the Board knows. They are waiting for Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) to contact the providers. There are many questions about how this is going to work, such as how providers will know how many hours have been used if clients are receiving services from multiple agencies. Other unknowns include: how long will it take to learn if a request for a cap increase was approved and what will the process be for billing, data tracking, and coordination of services.
During Board Discussion, Ms. Shumway said she understood there is no cap if a child is in JFS custody and expressed concern that this could be a big step backwards as once again parents may have to relinquish custody to get services. Mr. Petruziello wondered if GC-MHRS could join with other MHRS Boards to say this policy is not acceptable. It puts the burden on the agencies to track the service hours. Ms. Shumway expressed concerns about clients having long service interruptions while awaiting authorizations. Mr. Alusheff asked what will happen if the person receives a service after they have reached their cap and how will it be known if they reached their limit. Answers to these questions are unknown at this time.
Local Updates
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Transitional Learning Center ribbon cutting on May 1st was a great, celebratory event. Dr. Moretti from Ohio Department of Behavioral Health (OhioDBH) was there. The ribbon cutting reflected the strength of the Geauga community.
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Community Summit: LEADing with Health and Wellness was coordinated by Ravenwood. Ms. Johnson and Ms. Dykes attended. The GC-MHRS Board was a sponsor.
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Building Hope Together, the new Suicide Prevention website, is now up and running at geaugalives.org. She recommended visiting the site where many resources are listed. This is a project by the Suicide Prevention Coalition.
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The meeting for Faith-based Leaders this quarter focused on grief and loss, which was a topic they had requested. Those in attendance were made aware of the LOSS Team and the role of the Sheriff's Department. The training was held on May 19, 2026 and was provided by David Edwards, PhD.
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Suicide and Fatality Review: So far in 2026 there have been 2 suicides and 1 overdose. In April there was potential suicide; they are awaiting the Coroner’s report. Also in April there were 2 possible overdose deaths. The Fatality Review Board is waiting for toxicology reports for both of those. There were 15 crisis call outs in April. Nine were under the age of 18 and 6 were adults. None of these died. Ms. Lakomiak reminded all that it is important to celebrate our successes.
V. Board Review of Action Items
Observer Note: Each year the GC-MHRS Board assesses which Mental Health and Recovery Services are needed in the coming State Fiscal Year (SFY). Service providers are invited to apply to provide the needed services. This process happens with all Mental Health Boards statewide and is laid out in the Ohio Revised Code. The SFY is July 1 to June 30. This year, as in years past, service providers submit their plans and a budget to provide services. Following their submissions, GC-MHRS staff evaluate their proposals and meet with providers individually to form the budget for the coming year. At the May Board meeting, the GC-MHRS staff present their recommendations. The present meeting is for SFY2027 allocations. Resolutions A-M are the recommended funding allocations, and they are summarized below for brevity. Each requires Board approval.
Director Lakomiak provided a brief overview of the process leading up to the allocations to be voted on at this meeting. Goals and outcomes were developed for each program. Agencies were invited to submit Requests for Information (RFI), which were due in March. Staff reviewed and vetted each program. All programs were audited in the last year both clinically and fiscally. Michelle Maneage worked with some proposals to tighten goals and improve measurability. This year, agencies were able to submit an RFI instead of a Request for Proposals (RFP), and it was noted that the RFI process is less cumbersome than the RFP process previously used. Agencies all have their own financial and clinical audits. All agencies being recommended are in good standing. GC-MHRS is the payor of last resort. This year, $6.1 million to be allocated for resolutions are being voted on. They anticipate receiving an additional $450,000 which comes each year for various programs such as gambling treatment and HUD grants as well as other designated uses. They do not yet know the SYF2027 allocation from OhioDBH which is not unusual. However, a cut is not expected. In the past, agencies have not drawn down all they were allocated. Also, there is currently an unencumbered balance of $2.3 million that could be tapped to cover a deficit.
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Resolution 26-05-1 System of Care Funding Allocations for SFY2027
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Family First Council - to provide services for multiple need youth. $275,000.00
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Crisis & Hospital Inpatient - for individuals who pose an imminent risk to themselves or others. $100,000
Talking points: Increased need for residential treatment has resulted in an increase in the Family First Council allocation request. The Medication Subsidy is included here, while in the past it was paid as a reimbursement.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
B. Resolution 26-05-2 Board Administrative Budget for SFY2027
Talking points: This is about a 2.5% increase from SFY2026.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
C. Resolution 26-05-3 Signature Health Allocation for SFY2021
Talking points: This provides services to high risk groups in jail and residential treatment. The funding is about the same as last year.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
D. Resolution 26-05-4 Torchlight Allocation for SFY2027
Talking points: These are services for children in foster care. This is the same allocation they
received in SFY2026.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
E. Resolution 26-05-5 Family Pride Allocation for SFY2027
a. MH Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing $6,000.00
b. MH Counseling and Therapy $48,000.00
c. MH Community & Psychiatric Treatment/Coordination $55,000.00
and Support
Talking points: This SFY2027 allocation is for less than last year. Last year Family Pride applied for a grant and were awarded $20,000. As a result, they did not need to draw down GC-MHRS levy dollars. The grant provided $20,000 for the Triple P and the 24/7 Dads programs. This year, grant funding will again be used for these 2 programs. Agencies are well aware that the Board is payor of last resort.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
F. Resolution 26-05-6 Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers Allocation for SFY2027
a. SUD (substance use disorder) Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing $6,200.00
b. SUD Counseling and Therapy (individual, group, outpatient) $90,000.00
c. SUD Case Management $4,500.00
d. SUD Medical and Related (includes drug screens) $8,450.00
e. SUD Medication Assisted Treatment $25,000.00
f. SUD Residential (3.1 and 3.5 level of service) $84,000.00
g. SUD Room and Board ($25.00/day) $80,000.00
h. SUD Prevention ($91.86/hour unit) $63,514.00
i. SUD Jail Treatment (to be paid quarterly) $72,000.00
j. Wellness/Fitness Program ($16.62/per session) $30,000.00
k. SUD Youth Led Prevention (to be paid quarterly) $2,828.00
l. Outpatient Case Manager (to be paid quarterly) $18,598.00
Talking points: Medication Assisted Treatment continues to be incredibly expensive. This allocation of $25,000 is an increase but is only half of the full amount they requested in the RFI. Grant funding is available and LGRC will apply. If awarded, this allocation should be adequate. If not, LGRC may have to come back to the board.
Question: Mr. Petruziello stated, “The president just signed an executive order to reduce drug prices. Will medication assisted treatment be affected by Trump’s order to reduce prices?”
Response: it is not known if medications for SUD will be included. These injections are $1,500 to $2,000 per injection. Director Lakomiak and staff will look into less expensive options for medications should they become available.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
G. Resolution 26-05-7 NAMI Geauga Allocation for SFY2027
a. NAMI Connections Support Groups $35,000.00
b. Family Support Groups $35,000.00
c. Community Trainings $50,000.00
Talking points: This is an increase for NAMI. Director Angela North has been here a year now and has worked to expand the programs that NAMI is certified to provide. Their education to the community has grown and is needed.
Question: Mrs. Shumway asked if NAMI provides Case Management. Ms. North responded that they are not certified, but they do provide care navigation to assist clients in finding needed services.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
H. Resolution 26-05-8 Catholic Charities Allocation for SFY2027
a. MH Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment/Coordination and Support $500.00
b. MH Early Childhood Mental Health/Incredible Years $165,000.00
c. MH Counseling and Therapy $4,000.00
d. MH Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing $300.00
e. SUD Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing $200.00
f. SUD Counseling and Therapy (individual and group) $200.00
g. SUD Case Management $150.00
h. Case Management Self-Sufficiency ($25.00/per 15-minute) $17,600.00
Talking points: This is a slight decrease as looking at past billing, the amount expended has been down in a number of areas. This year's allocation reflects that.
Question: Mr. Petruziello asked if this is faith-based treatment. He was informed that this can be pulled in if requested by the client. Mr. Petruziello remarked that, “the bible really can be helpful for a lot of people.” It was remarked that faith, as part of a person’s strength, could be pulled in as part of treatment and Catholic Charities would do so. Director Lakomiak said she will clarify.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
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Resolution 26-05-9 Ravenwood Heath Allocation for SFY2027
a. MH Counseling and Therapy $125,000.00
b. MH Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing $10,000.00
c. MH Medical and Related $65,000.00
d. MH Day Treatment (Adults) $65,000.00
e. MH Crisis Services (to be paid quarterly) $425,000.00
f. MH Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment/
Coordination/Support $500,000.00
g. MH Peer Recovery Support $45,000.00
h. MH Permanent Housing (Community Residence $31.45/day) $180,000.00
i. MH Residential Care (TLC $150.00/day unit) $629,400.00
j. MH Employment ($86.23/hour unit & $37.96/group hour unit) $75,000.00
k. MH Consultation ($75.24/hour unit) $10,000.00
I. Assertive Community Treatment Team/Adult Community-Based $121,000.00
Intervention (paid quarterly)
m. Intensive Home-Based Treatment (paid quarterly) $120,850.00
n. Intensive Home-Based Treatment Bundled Service $175,000.00
o. SUD Peer Recovery Support: $35,000.00
p. SUD Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing $2,500.00
q. SUD Counseling and Therapy (individual, group, IOP) $135,000.00
r. SUD Case Management $8,000.00
s. SUD Medication Assisted Treatment $500.00
t. SUD Medical and Related (including Urinalysis) $15,000.00
u. SUD Outreach ($88.00/hour unit) $35,000.00
v. SUD Prevention ($82.00/hour unit) $100,000.00
w. Criminal Justice Program & CIT (paid quarterly) $75,000.00
x. MH Forensic (paid quarterly) $90,000.00
y. Social and Recreation (Murray's Center Club House) ( quarterly) $150,000.00
z. Jail Linkage $83,333.00
aa. Criminal Justice Therapist $85,000.00
bb. Geauga Metropolitan Housing Specialist (paid quarterly) $46,000.00
Talking points: This budget reflects the additional 7 TLC beds for the full year. In developing this allocation, Director Lakomiak contacted other MHRS Boards and learned that the rate Ravenwood Health charges is significantly lower than what other counties are charged. The GC-MHRS board is no longer funding the COPELINE, the crisis and information hotline. There is now separate funding for the 988 hotline (the national suicide/crisis hotline) line, so that is no longer in this allocation. The Criminal Justice and Jail programs, previously funded with separate resolutions, have been folded into this budget. State funding is received for this. Case management has been decreased as it was underspent last year.
Question: Mr. Petruziello asked if Ravenwood still sends a MH psychologist to Metropolitan Housing and was told, yes, it is covered in this allocation.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
J. Resolution 26-05-10 WomenSafe Allocation for SFY2027
a. MH Assessment, Evaluation, and Testing $500.00
b. MH Counseling and Therapy $37,500.00
c. Emergency Shelter Days ($65.00/day unit) $25,500.00
d. MH Community Psychiatric Supportive Treatment/Coordination and Support $2,641.60
e. Mental Health Consultation ($60.00/hour unit) $2,000.00
Talking points: This resolution includes the amount for the Counseling increase that was needed and funded last year. As in the past, they can come back and ask for increased funding which is a possibility.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
K. Resolution 26-05-11 Geauga Sheriff Crisis Response Director Allocation for SFY2027
Talking points: Last year was the first year for the LOSS Team Crisis Response program. This year they asked for less money as they were able to access some grant funding. With SFY2026 financial history, they recognized it did not cost as much as anticipated.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
L. Resolution 26-05-12 Red Tulip Project of Geauga Allocation for SFY2027
Talking points: This is a Peer Recovery program. Red Tulip had been good at applying for additional grants. If grant monies are received, they will not bill GC-MHRS.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
M. Resolution 26-05-13 Shelter Plus Care Funding
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GC-MHRS has received notice of funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Geauga County Shelter Plus Care Grant application. The Shelter Plus Care funding award is for $146,908.00 for the time period April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. These funds are to subsidize rental costs for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Ravenwood Health will be the agency responsible for the Shelter Plus Care program and will follow the rules and regulations of the program. GC-MHRS will pay up to $146,908.00 of Shelter Plus Care Funds to Ravenwood Health for rental assistance provided during April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. Payment to Ravenwood Health for the Shelter Plus Care Program is contingent upon the board being in receipt of the aforementioned HUD Shelter Plus Care funds.
Talking points: This money does not typically come at this time of year. This is HUD money that is passed through for rental assistance. Ravenwood is the lead.
Question: Mr. Petruziello asked, “This is a voucher program, right?” Mr. Bolino replied it requires coordination of care. MH clients have to be involved with other community services and have a diagnosis. It is a HUD grant specifically for MH clients who receive vouchers and does not go to HUD housing.
Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Unanimous
N. Financial Reports
Mr. Mausser reported the April totals as follows:
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The Board SFY2026 (7/1/25-6/30/26) office budget is through April and we expended 77.0% of the budget.
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The County calendar year (1/1/26-12/31/26) Budget Performance Report shows we expended just over $2.47 million through April.
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The Auditor's Fund Balance: The April Unencumbered Balance is just over $2.33 million.
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Voucher recap#718 for April $739,550.21.
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GC-MHRS went through their Budget Committee meeting recently.
VI. Old Business -
VII. New Business -
There are five Board members whose terms are expiring on June 30, 2026. Three could be reappointed but it won’t be known if they are reappointed for a while. Others are not able to extend their terms (Shumway and Petruziello). Dr. Oulic and Director Lakomiak suggested waiting until August to decide on new officers. There is no July Board meeting. They will need to nominate and elect new officers.
Mr. Petruziello asked if someone not on the Board could be an officer and was informed this was
not possible.
Mr. Alusheff, who joined the board last month, Ms. Johnson and Mr. Holden can be reappointed but would have to reapply.
It was decided by voice vote to wait until August for nominations. Ayes: Unanimous
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Ms. Shumway said she heard at a shop that there was chaos at the MH Board. Discussion: It was remarked during discussion that there has been a lot of positive press about the board recently. It was decided not to respond to rumors.
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Mr. Lundblad shared negative social media posts and his response. Dr Oluic expressed his desire to put this to rest, saying that accomplishments and levy support speak to the MHRS Board success. He noted that Geauga residents are being well served by a complete continuum of services that are well connected and coordinated.
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Mr. Lundblad asked, “If a person calls, what are the normal wait times for someone to be seen?” He acknowledged that it could take weeks or months to be seen by a psychiatrist in the private sector and asked what can be offered while the client is waiting. Mr. Lundblad asked specifically about a situation that is not a “crisis” but is deteriorating. Mr. Bondi responded that Ravenwood is “looking at that metric and looking at how they can engage people in different ways.” While they are waiting for one particular service such as a doctor’s appointment, Ravenwood Health can provide frequent check-ins (could be daily), wrap around services, and offer supports. If a person is in crisis, the response happens right away. If they call 911, help can be accessed immediately.
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Ms. Maneage reported that the Board got some funding for supplies for recovery houses. These were distributed.
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Director Lakomiak thanked the Board members for their time and support during the RFI season, saying it is a very stressful time.
VIII. Public Comments:
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Torchlight Fundraiser: Putt- Putt at Chips next Friday, 4:00 pm until closing. The Board is a sponsor.
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WomenSafe has a golf outing September 21, 2026. The Board is a sponsor.
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NAMI Walk is September 19 which is back in Chardon this year. Details are on their website. They are a small staff and could use some volunteers to help with planning.
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LGRC Golf outing is June 22. This is their 22nd golf outing.
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Red Tulip has the Dancing under the Stars event on July 31. The Board purchased an ad.
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Remembrance Event at Swine Creek park. August 8, 4-6. The Board is a sponsor. Two hundred butterflies will be released as part of the event.
IX. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 pm.
Board Minutes: Available at https://www.geauga.org/board-minutes/.
Next meeting: The next meeting will be the Regular Meeting on June 17 , 2026 at 6:00 pm. This will be the Annual Meeting. Meetings are held at the Board offices located at 13244 Ravenna Rd., Chardon, OH 44024.
More Information: https://www.geauga.org/
Observer: Kathy Franz
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: May 28, 2026
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