Innovative Mental Health Tax Approved in Wheeling Township

Wheeling Township trustees approved the first property tax levy for the township's mental health board on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone three years after voters initially approved the referendum.

The mental health board will distribute $1.5 million to agencies providing services related to mental health, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Township Supervisor Maria Zeller Brauer noted that the board has already received 24 applications for funding.

The vote took place in a nearly empty room, contrasting with previous meetings where advocates lobbied for the funding. Some of those advocates are now members of the newly elected board. The previous board had refrained from levying the tax, citing legal advice regarding the wording of the referendum.

For an average household valued between $350,000 and $400,000, the additional cost for the mental health levy will be approximately $35 annually. The township's total levy, including general town and road management funds, amounts to approximately $4.9 million.

Trustee John Geier emphasized that this achievement demonstrates the importance of perseverance, while Trustee Sheri Williams expressed pride in fulfilling the promise made to voters, calling the approval a nice holiday gift.