Council budgets for mental health, addiction support and early childhood education

City Council Tuesday night agreed to spend $300,000 in proceeds from the city’s marijuana tax for mental health and addiction support services in Longmont and $150,000 for the 529 Jump program.

The one-time funding comes from a combined $600,000 the city has collected in pot taxes with $300,000 already secured for affordable housing.

The council’s work session Tuesday was the second public hearing on the city proposed $389.55 million operating budget for 2022. The council will consider a formal budget ordinance on Oct. 12 and again Oct. 26. 

The funding for 529 Jump – which passed unanimously – came after a lengthy discussion among council members about how effective the program is in reaching all of Longmont’s youth. ”I think this is an incredible program but we have to figure out if it is equitable,” Councilmember Joan Peck said.

The program, which started in 2019, aims to help Kindergarten parents with the greatest financial need to open a 529 college savings account. The Education Foundation of the St. Vrain Valley provides matching funds up to $50, according to former council member Bonnie Finley’s breakdown of the program in the Longmont Leader.

The City Council gave $25,000 in seed money from its council contingency fund to get the program up and running, Finley stated.

Karen Roney, Longmont’s community services director, told the council the city does not have a breakdown of 529 Jump’s effectiveness yet, as the city signed a contract with the Education Foundation in April. 

Council member Tim Waters said the city needs to continue to back 529 Jump because of the opportunity it provides for low income families. “There are a bunch of kids in this town where $50 will make a huge difference,” Waters said.