One branch of Butler County government is lending a financial helping hand to another.

To cover a funding shortfall caused by the state budget impasse, the county commissioners Monday approved a $300,000 loan from Human Services to Community Action.

Carmine Scotece, director of Human Services, said the money will be used for Community Action clients who also fall under behavioral health. He said Community Action will pay the prevailing interest rate to Human Services on the loan. Scotece said later the state does reimburse interest paid on loans to replace delayed funds. Community Action oversees various programs, including the Shared Ride Transportation Program, medical assistance trips, housing for homeless not covered under other county departments, and the Food Cupboard.

Janine Kennedy, director of Community Action, said the loan will help her department provide services a little longer.

"A couple months. That's it," she said.

Commissioner James Kennedy pointed out this loan is another example of what the county must do because of the frozen funding at the state level. "The state budget is causing us a lot of heartache," he said.