To: County of Sonoma Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Nolan Sullivan, 707-565-4774
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Approve the Appointment of Mark Beiting to the Measure O Citizens’ Oversight Committee as the Lived Experience representative for a term beginning September 23, 2025 through December 7, 2027. (Countywide)
End
Executive Summary:
In November 2020, Sonoma County voters approved Measure Ordinance No. 6316, which created a special quarter-cent sales tax to fund mental health, addiction, and homeless services for 10 years. As part of this measure, on December 7, 2021, the County Board set up a seven-member Citizens’ Oversight Committee. This committee was created to ensure the public can see how the money is being used and that it’s being spent responsibly, following the established guidelines in the Measure.
Two of the Committee members are selected by the Sonoma County City Selection Committee. Additional members must include a Hospital Representative or first responder, a business community representative, and a community member with lived experience of mental health needs or homelessness. Committee Members serve a three-year term and are eligible to be reappointed by their appointing body. All Committee Member appointments expire December 7, 2027.
The previously appointed Lived Experience representative resigned June 4, 2025, leaving an unscheduled vacancy on the Citizens’ Oversight Committee. The Department of Health Services (hereinafter “DHS” or “the Department”) conducted all associated due diligence and outreach throughout the lived experience community to fill this vacancy and now brings the Department’s recommendation of Mark Beiting to fill the Lived Experience representative position and serve out the remainder of the term through December 7, 2027.
Discussion:
On November 3, 2020, Measure O was approved by 67 percent of voters in order to support behavioral health and homeless services. Pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code 7285.5, the new quarter-cent sales tax became operative as of April 1, 2021 and was put in place for a ten-year period.
Implementation of Measure O required the formation of an independent seven-member Citizens’ Oversight Committee (hereinafter “the Committee”) to provide public transparency and ensure fiscal accountability. The Board adopted a resolution creating the Committee on December 7, 2021, appointing the original Committee members, and adopting the governing bylaws for the Committee.
The role of the Committee is to review the receipt and expenditures of revenue from the Measure O transaction and use tax, including results from the County’s annual independent audit, in conjunction with the County’s budget process. The Committee also produces an annual oral or written report on its review that is considered by your Board.
Two of the Committee members are selected by the Sonoma County City Selection Committee. Additional members must include a Hospital Representative or first responder, a business community representative, and a community member with lived experience of mental health needs or homelessness. Committee Members serve a three-year term and are eligible to be reappointed by their appointing body.
The current members of the Oversight Committee were appointed on December 7, 2024 for a 3-year term expiring on December 7, 2027. The Oversight Committee recently received a resignation from the Lived Experience representative, Shannon Mcentee, effective June 4, 2025. The Department of Health Services conducted outreach through the lived experience community and received six applications. An application review committee composed of three DHS staff (representatives from the Behavioral Health Division, Homelessness Services Division, and the Equity Team, as well as one lived experience representative), reviewed applications based on a set of established criteria (lived experience, experience with fiscal oversight and accountability, and demonstrated experience working as a part of a team or in a collaborative). For the purpose of this seat, Lived Experience is defined as anyone with experience navigating the system of care for behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, or homeless services in Sonoma County for themselves or a loved one. Based on this application review process, DHS recommends the appointment of Mark Beiting.
Mark Beiting is the former board chair for NAMI Sonoma County. He brings personal experience as a caregiver for his son who suffered from mental illness and substance abuse. His son used the services of Drug Abuse Alternates Center (DAAC), and Mental Health Diversion. His son became homeless and was in frequent contact with law enforcement and the court system. His son eventually died from a fentanyl overdose in 2021 at age 30. As his caretaker, Mark interacted with court and county staff and various health care agencies in an effort to help his son. Mark brings an understanding of the agencies supported by Measure O and the challenges of caring for people living with mental illness and substance abuse.
DHS is recommending the Board appoint Mark Beiting to the Measure O Citizens’ Oversight Committee as the Lived Experience representative to fulfil the remainder of the current term, through December 7, 2027.
Reference: Sonoma County Local Mental Health, Addiction and Homeless Services Measure Transactions and Use Tax Ordinance
Prior Board Actions:
The Board of Supervisors appoints/reappoints Measure O Citizens’ Oversight Committee members as needed. Most recently, on June 3, 2025, the Board approved the appointment of Colleen O’Neal to the Measure O Citizens’ Oversight Committee as the business community representative for a term beginning June 3, 2025 through December 7, 2027
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
N/A
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Measure O Oversight Committee Membership Composition
Attachment 2 - Recommended Application
Attachment 3 – Applications not recommended
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None