POST FALLS - The Post Falls City Council will hear an update on a proposed mental health and intoxication center tonight from County Commissioner Jai Nelson.

The county, law enforcement, Kootenai Medical Center and other entities have been exploring a facility created for involuntary mental holds. It would be a place where folks can be placed to sober up over one or a few days and receive exams determining their release or higher-level treatment.

The facility would ease the stress on KMC. Police agencies also report a burden on officers, who can wait hours for hospital staff to become available for such holds.

One concept for the center would be to utilize an existing building on the KMC campus that would receive funding from agencies throughout North Idaho that use the center.

"There's a huge need for such a facility and the problem seems to be growing," said Eric Keck, Post Falls city administrator. "We want to be open-minded about it, but at the same our budget is already set for this year."

Keck said the city would be hard-pressed to come up with funds for the project. It's also ultimately the county's responsibility to provide the service, even though multiple agencies would use the center, he said.

"Jai has almost single-handedly resurrected this issue and we applaud her for that," Keck said. "The council will have to weigh from a policy perspective how and if it wants to participate."

The council's regular meeting starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 408 N. Spokane St.

Mayor Clay Larkin will present Sysco Foods his annual Community Service Award for the company's assistance with the Post Falls Food Bank.

There are no public hearings.

The council will also hold a workshop on the strategic plan at 5 p.m. at the parks and recreation conference room.