The Burlington City Council delayed voting on Monday on an agreement that would have the Howard Center take over services provided by a city-run mental health response team.

Councilors said Monday night that they wanted more time to make sure they can track how the nonprofit handles the added work.

The proposed agreement with the Howard Center comes as Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak announced that the city would eliminate a mental health response program housed in the police department next month. Two city staffers will be laid off as a result of the cut, which was first reported by Seven Days .

The Burlington CARES program was meant to expand the city’s ability to respond to residents experiencing mental health challenges and provide support and case management.

Since the team launche

See Full Page