Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) –  The Citizen’s Club of Springfield hosted a policy forum Friday morning for the Sangamon County Mental Health Commission. The commission is pitching the idea of a formation for a county-wide 708 Mental Health Board through a 0.5 percent sales tax increase in Sangamon County.

Commission chair Mike Murphy took to the stand to give us statistics that were surveyed through UIS.

“The 89% of people surveyed felt like there’s more need for funding for mental health, 83% supported parium clinicians with police. 17% of professionals found services to be inadequate, and then 69% of professionals are saying that connecting to clients was very difficult,” said Murphy.

Commission member Dr. Kari Wolf gave the statistics on treatment plans within the community.

“The data shows that treating most mental illness is more effective than cutting edge cardiovascular treatment,” said Wolf.

Wolf went on to explain mental health issues being severe, and with this proposal they can tackle this.

 The only way of funding a 708 Mental Health Board, is through the sales tax increase proposal, said Murphy.

“We looked at the impact that we have on our farm community, and we’re a very rural area,” said Murphy. “But one thing that was a highlight for me on one reason I want sales tax is tourism. Let’s take advantage of those people coming to town to help us pay for our needs.”

With sales tax comes exception, not all items are set in stone at this time. But a for sure item that comes with exception is “certain food items.”

The referendum for a sales tax hike connected to mental health will be on the March primary election ballot.