Supervisors hold off on approving Measure B funds for Ford St.

Mendocino County YouTube channel.

Supervisors balked at a request for Measure B funds to build a treatment center for substance use disorder, citing a lack of specifics and uncertainty about the future of the new jail, which is supposed to serve inmates suffering from mental illness. Cost overruns on constructing the jail, which has not yet broken ground, have mounted steadily.

The Ford Street Project is seeking $4.1 million of Measure B funds to build a 3663 square foot 24-bed sober-living dormitory on its property near the Ukiah Recovery Center. The expansion effort got a little over $3 million for the first phase last year from the California Department of Healthcare Services. That money will be used to build a 3350 square foot treatment pavilion. Ford Street and another entity submitted proposals to the county’s behavioral health and recovery services department last year, and this week, behavioral health recommended Ford Street’s proposal for next steps, including contract negotiations.

Supervisor Ted Williams said he was concerned about over-allocating money that might be needed at the jail, and Supervisor Glenn McGourty noted that the board does not have a complete accounting of Measure B funds. Supervisor Maureen Mulheren pointed out that the Board has been aware of Ford Street’s plans for over a year .

Jacque Williams, the Executive Director of the Ford Street Project, said the property is unimproved, meaning water and electric services will have to be developed for the new project. And she complained about a lack of clarity in the process she was supposed to follow in order to request the money.