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A payroll tax in Boone County is providing significant support to local residents. Since 1986, the county has collected a $25 annual payroll tax from employees working within its jurisdiction. This Mental Health, Intellectual Disability and Aging (MHID & Aging) Tax funds programs for individuals with mental health needs, intellectual disabilities, and aging-related challenges. For the fiscal year of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, more than $2.7 million will be allocated to services for county residents.
“This fund gives us the flexibility to act fast and support services our residents truly need,” said Laura Pleiman, Community Services and Programs Director. “It’s one of the best tools we have to support people locally.”
The tax was approved by Boone County voters in the late 1980s and remains at $25 per employee annually. It currently generates about $3 million each year. The Boone County Fiscal Court distributes these funds with oversight from three citizen-led tax boards.
In 2026, Boone County plans to invest:
- $1.53 million in mental health services
- $570,000 in intellectual disability services
- $601,000 in aging-related services
These funds support over 70 programs across more than 35 community organizations. The MHID & Aging Fund backs a variety of services including school-based counseling, Meals on Wheels, adult day care, therapy for children with disabilities, and many others.
Programs are managed by local organizations such as Be Concerned and Easterseals Redwood. Each program must apply through a formal process and demonstrate service to Boone County residents before receiving funding.
A nine-member tax board reviews applications and makes funding recommendations to ensure wise spending of the funds.
Thanks to this fund, Boone County can provide more comprehensive support compared to other communities statewide by supplementing state and federal programs.
