Butte Silver-Bow to contract drug treatment

People in Buttes legal and health care services are anxious about the countys transition from its chemical dependency treatment program to a contracted provider.

The Council of Commissioners and others heard from people in that industry during an informational meeting Tuesday aboutthe changeover. Chief Executive Matt Vincent called the meetingto give the public an update onthe process.

In February, the county decided to abandon its county-run chemical dependency unit after it had been running a budget deficit of about$1 million since 2005. The county will now call for bids and contract with a private firm to provide this service. The goal is to have a contract by July 1.

Joan Cassidy, chief of the states Chemical Dependency Bureau, said the state will review each candidate to be sure they are qualified; the council will have the final say on choosing the provider.

While the council will not oversee the operations of the new provider, it will control the money. Cassidy said the money comes from alcohol taxes, and other state and federal dollars.

Butte-Silver Bow is the last county in the state to run its own chemical dependency treatment center.

There are about 30 contracted providers in the state. Ken Taylor, of the Chemical Dependency Bureau, assured the council that these contracted providers run successful programs.

They have worked well with their commissioners and counties, Taylor said.

Commissioner Dan Foley urged his council to choose wisely when selecting a provider. He said chemical dependency is a major problem in the county and Butte needs good service.

Butte Justice of the Peace Debra Williams and District Judge Kurt Krueger urged the council to find a competent provider that can handle the citys large caseload.

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Butte Silver-Bow to contract drug treatment