The Boulder Transition Advisory Council (BTAC) broke into applause May 4 upon hearing the governor signed the bill to delay closure of Montana Developmental Center (MDC) and provide $500,000 to Boulder for mitigating impacts of MDC closure.
BTAC members also applauded BTAC chair Drew Dawson, Jefferson County Commissioner Bob Mullen, and Boulder publisher Jan Anderson for their leadership in shepherding the bill through the convoluted legislative process.
“It takes a team,” said Dawson. He pointed out that Rep. Kirk Wagoner, Sen. Edie McClafferty and the rest of the Butte delegation were instrumental in passing the bill. Dawson pointed out the need to use the money wisely to improve the economy of the area and respond to the downsizing of MDC. He went on to lead a discussion on how to best administer the state funds. BTAC endorsed a plan months ago to form a joint committee made up of representatives from the county commission, city council, Chamber of Commerce and BTAC to oversee the funding process. Accord- ing to the bill, the money will pass through the Department of Public Health and Human Services.
County commissioner Leonard Wortman expressed frustration that city council members aren’t attending BTAC regularly. In discussions about MDC, it was noted that the facility was readying for closure before the bill passed. Several clients are ready to be discharged to group homes, while other people are on a waiting list to be admitted to MDC. MDC recently passed two surveys and did well.
The bill signed by Governor Steve Bullock last week allows the MDC to operate two cottages until July 1, 2018 and then one cottage for a year after that. Provisions for a 12-bed intensive behavioral center at the facility have no expiration date. Some in attendance explained that the cottages are an important part of the continuum of services. When clients first come to MDC, they are struggling. The structured atmosphere of ASU allows them to stabilize and develop coping skills. As clients’ behaviors improve, they are moved into cottages to start the process of getting them ready for group homes.
If they exhibit unsafe behaviors, they are moved back to ASU. Eliminating the cottages could make that process more difficult, said some. BTAC agreed to continue to advocate for appropriate, quality services for people with disabilities.
The group also heard a report that thank you notes from community members delivered to MDC last week were appreciated by MDC staff and clients. The meeting ended with reports on several opportunities to improve Boulder’s attractiveness to businesses. The next meeting is scheduled for June 8 at 8 a.m. at the Boulder city hall.
