Just 93 people are responsible for imposing an estimated $10.3 million in costs of public services in Billings annually. They represent a population that disproportionately requires attention from law enforcement, medical care providers and who impose negative economic impacts on downtown businesses. They are a group called the “Chronic High Utilizers” in a recent report proposing the creation of a “sobering center” and a jail diversion center.
In a study done by MAAP, (Motivate Addiction Alternative Program) 93 individuals were identified as being repeat offenders in minor crimes, chronically homeless, frequently drunk and ending up in hospital emergency wards because there is nowhere else to go. The study showed that it costs taxpayers approximately $111,050 to serve one chronically homeless individual a year in emergency services and hospitalization, explained two of Billings Resource Officers Brad Mansur and Phil Tanis in speaking to county officials this week.
The team recommended the establishment of a “sobering center” or detox center where anyone who is inebriated could be taken to “sleep it off” for four hours.
MAAP is a program established in Billings to give people with multiple drug-related infractions the choice between jail or drug treatment. MAAP was succeeding in that mission said Mansur, until the jail became so crowded that going to jail simply was no longer an option.
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