The State - News from Sept. 29, 1987

About half of the $12 million earmarked by the state for Fresno County’s mental health programs was not spent last year, resulting in a $5.7-million surplus that has alarmed state officials. “It’s way, way out of line with what any other county would normally accumulate,” said Edward Schafer of the state Department of Mental Health. The surplus prompted the department to tell Fresno County that its future share of state money could be cut if the huge surplus is not spent on the intended programs. “Since the money’s there, we feel it’s only right that it should be used,” Schafer said. George Bleth, acting director of the county Health Department, said a new spending plan will be introduced to supervisors this week. The plan would provide 45 new full-time mental health positions and increase the level of the department’s services, he said.