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MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES March 17,2025 THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: March 17, 2025 at Hillsborough Commons. BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Jane Garrett, Ann Wilkerson, Oscar Fleming, and Chris Barnes BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: Earl McKee STAFF PRESENT: Lindsey Shewmaker, Social Services Director and Sharron Hinton, Human Services Manager. I. Call to Order DSS Chair, Jane Garrett, called the meeting to order at 4:09 pm. II. Board Comments None. III. Public Comments None. IV. Agenda Changes None. V. Action Items On a motion by Chris Barnes, the Board approved the minutes of February 17, 2025. Ann Wilkerson seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision 1. Federal Funding Updates and Potential Impacts Lindsey Shewmaker provided a PowerPoint presentation of current federal financial updates and potential programmatic impacts. There was discussion regarding the process for policy changes and budget approval at the federal and state levels. Oscar Fleming asked about staff implications in light of potential funding cuts. Lindsey Shewmaker advised that staff have expressed concerns and any employees negatively affected would probably be redirected to vacant positions. She also noted that supervisors and managers are seeking to address staff morale. There has been an Employee Appreciation Lunch as well as small weekly gift distributions to acknowledge staff. Chris Barnes requested to inform board members if they can help with enhancing staff morale. Ann Wilkerson applauded Lindsey for listening to staff concerns. 2. Outside Agencies Lindsey Shewmaker reported on the revised process for funding Outside Agencies. Instead of the boards reviewing applications, it is now a staff-driven process. The department directors, along 1