Vital services and resources of the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, and its provider agencies, will keep benefiting the community for another 10 years, thanks to a 0.9-mill renewal levy. Executive Director Kim Fraser said that moving forward the levy — approved 69,279 to 49,742 in the Nov. 5 election, according to unofficial final results from the Lake County Elections Board — continues the same level of support consistently approved by the voters. She emphasized that the measure is not a new tax. “These services have a proven record of saving and improving the lives of residents, and we are incredibly thankful for the trust Lake County residents have placed in this board and for (their) belief in our mission,” Fraser said. “We understand that taxes and fees are a concern for many in our community, and we want to assure you that these funds will be used responsibly to support those living with mental illness or substance use disorders.” According to the Lake County Auditor’s Office, the levy costs taxpayers $21 annually for each $100,000 in property valuation and will yield $5,464,000 per year. Revenue will be used for the operation of community addiction services providers and community mental health services providers, Fraser noted, adding the levy was first approved by Lake County voters in 1976, was last renewed in 2015, and generated $5.48 million in 2024. “This funding accounts for 30 percent of the ADAMHS Board’s annual budget,” she said. “The board has a long history of providing outstanding services while staying within our operating budget. “We maintain a remarkably low administrative overhead at 7 percent, one of the lowest in the state, ensuring that these dollars are channeled into services that help people and families here in Lake County, and it is your commitment that allows us to help improve lives, foster recovery, and make Lake County a healthier place for all.”