Minutes 12-02-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Pelissier said it would be good to talk about the numbers of people affected in each of the different social service areas. She said many people do not realize how many residents are actually in need of assistance. Commissioner Pelissier asked how many people are on the waiting list for childcare subsidies. Nancy Coston said there are still several hundred waiting. Commissioner Pelissier asked why the Board had to approve the monies, since this was allocated in the budget. She prefers, in future, that the money is allocated, and staff and social services are allowed to use their best judgment in utilizing the funds. Clarence Grier said when the reserve was set up, the money was not earmarked for any specific purpose or department. He said this is why specifics are needed. Commissioner McKee said he recently spoke to Nancy Coston and Dr. Bridger of the Orange County Health Department about these issues. He said the health department did not get hit as hard as DSS with budget cuts. He expressed appreciation to Nancy Coston for bringing this information forward. He said that is why this money was put in reserve during the last budget cycle, and he encouraged Nancy Coston not to be shy in asking for more if necessary. Commissioner Dorosin said he supports the transfer of this money. He said this is an opportune moment, as the budget season is beginning, to create some sort of anti-poverty program that can be a priority over the next few years. He said the County is being reactive to a crisis of need, and there needs to be a comprehensive poverty program in Orange County in order to change this. He said this is an opportunity to be engaged and innovative and anticipate some of these challenges at the front end. Commissioner Gordon thanked Nancy Coston for the summary. She is glad this fund is available. She said it is important that people know about this, and it is an important story to tell. Commissioner Price asked if the department is anticipating a direr situation this year, as the winter season approaches. Nancy Coston said it does not look like the energy program has a federal cut yet. She said a lot of that program is determined by the weather, and there is no way to know how much will be needed. She said the cost of utilities has increased, and it takes more money to get someone out of a crisis. She said the department is trying to have all of their crisis programs attached to their service programs. She said it has been worse up to this point, but she does not know if it will be worse the rest of the year or not. Commissioner Price asked if this funding request will be enough, or if it is conservative. Nancy Coston said she based her request on what was used last year. She is hopeful that this will get them through. She said federal funds can only be used if the weather is threatening the health of people. Chair Jacobs said he is glad to hear that the directors of the Health Department and DSS are encouraged to get in touch with the manager when there is a need that needs to be addressed. He said the money was set aside with the understanding that it would be needed to fill in the holes in the social safety net. Nancy Coston said if there is another shut down scare it will cost more money because of the chaos that follows. She said disruption of benefits has an immediate impact. Chair Jacobs said the County has dedicated staff to address the programs for poverty that are at their disposal; however, if the poverty level is not being impacted, the Board needs to be more assertive in their strategies. He suggested that the people in charge of the retreat agenda and the budget proposals should begin to look at this. Commissioner McKee suggested that the manager should contact the faith community to help get this information out to the public. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve Budget Amendment#3-A to transfer $100,000 from the Social Justice Reserve Fund to the Department of Social Services for General Assistance for client payments. With approval of this allocation, a balance of $150,000 will remain in the Social Justice Reserve Fund for FY 2013-14. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5. Public Hearings