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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES November 18, 2013 2 sequestration will continue to impact the programs that receive major federal dollars. Medicaid is by far the largest of the federal programs. The dollars go straight to area providers and are not passed through the agency. Staff are still awaiting the Farm Bill legislation, and cuts that have been proposed as part of that bill will impact families and the agency. Funds received as part of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant fund social workers in child protective services. The Social Services Block Grant is impacted by the sequester. There will be another 6% cut coming this year ($21,000). The state tried to absorb some of the cuts last year. The Low Income Energy Program is also subject to sequestering. One of the things that helps the agency conserve county funds this time of year is the ability to use these federal dollars. Many of the winter utility bills are paid for by those funds. There is also a one-time payment that many families are eligible to receive beginning in December. These funds are targeted to seniors. After the first two months, other families can be served. The Child Development (CCDF) Fund is not subject to sequestering but other funds in child care are subject to these across the board cuts. If the federal government shuts down again, the agency would probably not remove children from child care unless it looked like it would be a long-term issue. Mark Dorosin commented that the Social Justice Fund was created with this type of issue in mind. Commisioner Dorosin suggested that it might be helpful to add numbers under the Low Income Energy Assistance Program and other programs listed in the report. He noted that it is helpful for his colleagues to see the numbers of people served by these programs. He offered to try to assist on the other side during the presentation. He added he would support the decision to continue to provide child care subsidy at least for a short term. Ms. Coston replied that it was difficult to get the information to Commissioners timely enough to make a decision. Commissioner Dorosin noted that there could be some expedited consideration in the future and stated he would be happy to raise this issue at the annual retreat. Ms. Coston added that child care subsidy adds up very quickly and staff were not comfortable putting the county at risk financially for such large sums without some approval. She noted if the agency had tentative approval to maintain services during uncertainty it would be helpful if similar issues occur in the future. Ms. Coston also thanked PORCH for providing the agency with lots of additional food to support families. 2. ACA/NC FAST Lindsey Shewmaker updated the Board on the status of NC FAST. Hard launch was originally supposed to occur today in Orange County but has now been moved to December 9, 2013. Staff continue to prepare and are working their hardest to ensure families receive the benefits to which they are entitled. She added that the pressure of this is taking a toll on staff. She will provide another update at the December meeting. 3. Work First Employment Efforts Sharron Hinton reminded the Board that the Work First program helps meet employment needs of clients with children. In an effort to expand the employment program, Robert Gilmore works with a variety of businesses to assist residents with employment. He established a partnership with the Staffing Alliance and has gotten more the 35 people hired in the last few weeks. Staff hope to continue this partnership to match more individuals with employers who are ready to hire. 4. Holiday Update Sharron Hinton informed the Board that the Toy Chest is scheduled for December 14-17th. There are 222 children or adults that have been sponsored thus far. There are 41 children and 32 adults