The Baldwin County Commission delayed a discussion and vote on proposals involving Baldwin County Mental Health Center earlier this week, as commission members wanted more time to decide on continuing to use portions of the county’s cigarette tax revenues to fund the center – even as center officials continue to progress with the merger plan.

Baldwin County Mental Health, which has been a publically funded non-profit organization, had recently announced a merger with AltaPointe Health Systems, a government-funded group who provides mental health services in nearby Mobile and Washington counties.

Initially, BCMH officials sought to get the Baldwin County Commission’s approval or a letter of support for the merger plans. However, Robin Riggins, Baldwin County Mental Health’s executive director, recently held a meeting with BCMH officials and Commissioners Bob James and Frank Burt Jr. to clarify the center’s position in the potential merger.

“Per our meeting with Commissioner Burt and Commissioner James, it was established that approval of our plan to merge was not necessary therefore, we respectfully withdraw our request for consent/support in the letter dated March 21 regarding our plan to merge with AltaPointe Health System,” Riggins said, in an email to the commissioners.

Since the center’s merger would not change or alter its articles of incorporation, the center does not believe a letter of support or a consent vote from the commission is necessary for the merger to move forward.

According to AltaPointe Health Systems, there will be no change to the obligations that have been historically made by Baldwin County to help cover the cost of indigent care and funds allocated for Baldwin County residents will continue to go to Baldwin County residents.

“The merger is helping us become a better regional, behavioral healthcare system,” Tuerk Schlesinger, CEO of AltaPointe, said. “This action also helps us respond to the changes that have already happened in healthcare as well as the ones we know are coming our way.”

Under the current arrangement, the Baldwin County Commission appoints the Baldwin County Mental Health board members and allots a percentage of the county’s 10 cent cigarette tax to the center. Over the last 8 years, the center has received nearly $4.5 million in funding from the tax revenues.

If the proposed merger goes through, the Baldwin County Commission will still likely have the authority to appoint three board members to the new mental health entity, which will be known as AltaPointe.

Commissioner Bob James raised questions about the merger during last week’s commission work session and said he would like more time to research the merger and its possible aftereffects before deciding on whether AltaPointe would continue to receive cigarette tax revenues.

“I’m still trying to do research on this and figure out if this is the best thing for Baldwin County and its citizens,” James said.

The cigarette tax revenue discussion could come as soon as the commission’s next work session Tuesday.