Looking at the Summit County Council’s busy agenda Wednesday, with several different items, one major topic is a possible decision on the new Mental Health Services contract.
The council’s advisory committee has made a recommendation.
The council meets at the Richins Services Building and will take up the contract at about 3:45 pm.
Two weeks ago, they heard presentations from two finalists—the University of Utah Health Services, and Optum. The committee is giving the nod to the University of Utah.
County manager Tom Fisher discussed three major reasons he saw listed in the report.
“The one item that the University of Utah had that was fairly strong was a much stronger present network already within Summit County," Fisher explained. "So a network of providers that that could immediately step in and provide services to those that are uninsured and those that are getting some sort of assistance. The recommendation committee was intrigued by the network or the unit care system that already exist with the University of Utah. Then the amount of folks that were already getting services within Summit County from the University of Utah.”
He said the county is awarding a large contract.
“It’s several years over a million dollars and that's the reason that goes in front of the council is that it has such a large dollar amount associated with it," Fisher said. "It’s kind of variable depending on the number of clients that are seen.”
Fisher said he wouldn’t speculate if the council is set to make a decision Wednesday.
“I think they’re going to have a lot of information to sift through," Fisher continued. "Certainly, they've heard the interviews from both proposers. They've been in this process. They have a committee that's making a recommendation. So, they are set up to make a decision but that's up to them on whether they are ready to make a decision or not.”
