Title
Approve and adopt the proposed amended Bylaws of the County of Monterey Behavioral Health Commission (BHC).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and adopt the proposed amended Bylaws of the County of Monterey Behavioral Health Commission (BHC).
SUMMARY:
The Monterey County Behavioral Health Commission (BHC) acts in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors and the County of Monterey Health Department Behavioral Health Bureau on topics related to the provision of mental health and substance use disorder needs and services in the County pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5604 (WIC § 5604) by Resolutions Nos. 2021 and 86-76 of the Board of Supervisors for the County of Monterey (Board of Supervisors). BHC has voted to amend its Bylaws and is seeking the Board’s approval and adoption of the changes.
DISCUSSION:
On November 20, 2025, the BHC voted to accept the proposed amendments to the Behavioral Health Commission Bylaws, specifically Article 5, Section 5.01 to address misalignment in officer terms.
Currently, the Chairperson-Elect is elected annually, while the Chair’s terms was previously extended to two years without updating the Elect’s term. The staggered terms disrupt continuity and create gaps in preparation and momentum.
The goal of the proposed amendment is to promote greater leadership stability, cut down on executive turnover, and make transitions as smooth as possible for our commission.
The proposed amended bylaws update Article 5, Section 5.01 of the bylaws to ensure the committee’s purpose, powers, and authority are reflective to WIC §5604 for the following:
1. Alignment of Terms: Electing the Chairperson-Elect in the same year the current Chair starts their two-year term. They serve concurrently for those two years; auto-assume Chair role at end (unless Chair is re-elected).
Current language under Section 5.01 (c) states that the election of Chairperson-Elect is e...
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