Sheriff exploring next steps for mental health facility
The Jonesboro SunOct 10, 2017
JONESBORO - As of right now, there is no "plan B" for the mental health crisis stabilization unit, after plans to use an existing building for the unit, as well as a homeless shelter, fell through due to neighbors' complaints.
"We have the grant, but we have no place to go with it," Craighead County Sheriff
He said the plan for now is to explore possibly locating the unit in a new building to be constructed near the county detention center. Boyd asked the public service committee of the quorum court to "get the ball rolling" to determine how much money the building would cost, and if such a project is even feasible.
In addition to the cost of building the unit, which is unknown at this time, the former Ridgecrest Health Care nursing home building that had been offered to the county was ready for the unit to be moved in.
"The facility ... was basically already fitted for our needs, so it would've been minimal cost to refurbish that part of the building," Boyd said. "So that's one of the major deals we have to look at now because of new construction."
Locating the unit on detention center property wouldn't cause as much opposition as the previous location, Boyd said. Last week, residents of
While 13 counties would use the unit, Boyd told members of the committee he's not sure if other counties could be charged for the use of the facility.
As of right now, the county is not in danger of losing the
The facility will hold 16 beds and will be anywhere from 6,000 to 7,000 square feet.
If the county does not find another existing building and is forced to construct a new building, funds would come out of the capital fund. Justice of the Peace
"It affects all the county budgets," Boyd said.
He will work with officials and businesses to try to determine a possible cost this week.
After obtaining the grant and receiving the building, Boyd said news of the decision to withdraw was "disappointing."
"The only thing we can do is move forward and see where we go from here," Boyd said.