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A state employees union this week proposed a plan that it says will keep the Upper Shore Community Mental Health Center in Chestertown open while saving the state at least $2 million.

The plan, unveiled Wednesday, calls for cutting back on jobs and combining care units at the center, which serves 198 patients.

In August, Gov. Martin O'Malley proposed closing the center as part of $454 million in cuts to the fiscal 2010 budget. Closing the center would save the state about $8.4 million annually.

Advocates and union members vigorously opposed the closure, and the Board of Public Works delayed its approval.

On Wednesday, O'Malley (D) said the board, which comprises the governor, comptroller and treasurer, is "open to all ideas and all alternatives."

A decision will be made Nov. 18, as the board considers about $300 million in new cuts, he said.

The board will review the union's plan and a forthcoming plan from state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Secretary John M. Colmers, O'Malley said.

Colmers has said that his plan will have no impact or minimal impact on the budget for private mental health providers, but that he cannot guarantee that all patients will continue to receive care on the Eastern Shore.